Karachi Kings, Islamabad United announce direct signings ahead of PSL 11

Karachi Kings and Islamabad United have announced high-profile direct signings ahead of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11, as franchises begin shaping their squads under the league’s new auction-based player recruitment system.

Former champions Karachi Kings confirmed the signing of England all-rounder Moeen Ali for the upcoming HBL PSL 11, which is scheduled to begin on 26 March. The franchise announced the move via its official social media channels.

“We’re excited to announce England’s explosive force, Moeen Ali, joining the #KingsSquad for PKR 6.44 crore in the HBL PSL,” the franchise said.

Born in Birmingham, Moeen brings vast experience of global T20 cricket and has been a regular fixture in franchise leagues around the world. The England international previously featured in the Pakistan Super League for Multan Sultans, playing nine matches between 2019 and 2021.

Moeen has also been a consistent presence in the Indian Premier League (IPL), having appeared in every edition since 2018 across three franchises, underlining his value as a proven T20 all-rounder.

Meanwhile, three-time champions Islamabad United confirmed the direct signing of New Zealand batter Devon Conway for PSL 11, also announcing the deal through social media. The left-hander was secured for a reported PKR 63 million, making him one of the most expensive direct signings of the season.

“The fourth fastest player to reach 1,000 runs in T20I cricket joins Islamabad United. Devon Conway it is,” the franchise said, welcoming the Kiwi star to the HBL PSL 11.

Conway, who is part of New Zealand’s T20 World Cup squad, will be making his PSL debut this season. The top-order batter has represented New Zealand in 32 Tests, 43 One-Day Internationals and 66 T20 Internationals.

In T20Is, Conway has scored 1,739 runs at an average of 35.48 and a strike rate of 128.81. Overall, he has featured in 229 T20 matches, amassing 7,033 runs, including two centuries, and is regarded as one of the most consistent batters on the global T20 circuit.

Conway has previously played in the IPL for Chennai Super Kings, but PSL 11 will mark his first appearance in Pakistan’s premier T20 competition.

Under the revised rules for PSL 11, each franchise has been allotted a total budget of PKR 450 million, with an additional PKR 55 million reserved specifically for direct signings. The season represents a major shift in the league’s history, with the traditional draft system replaced by an auction format for the first time.

The early signings of Moeen Ali and Devon Conway highlight the growing appeal of the Pakistan Super League, as franchises invest heavily in international stars ahead of what is set to be a landmark PSL 11 season.