In a major trade before the formal drafts of Pakistan Super League's (PSL) third edition, Shahid Afridi's move from Peshawar Zalmi to Karachi Kings as a player was finalised on Tuesday.

Afridi, who helped his team to victory in PSL's second edition, will now play for Karachi Kings. He had already joined Karachi Kings as its president soon after the league's second edition ended earlier this year.

According to the deal finalised between the two franchises, Peshawar Zalmi will swap its picks in the gold and silver categories with Karachi Kings. Kings have the third pick in both the categories while Zalmi have fifth since PSL draft rules are such that the team which came last gets the first pick in all categories and Zalmi had returned as the winners last year.

"Shahid is a world-class player and the entire Peshawar Zalmi family thanks him for his contributions to our team," Javed Afridi, the owner of Peshawar Zalmi said. "He is like a brother and we wish him the very best of luck in this new journey."

Karachi Kings owner Salman Iqbal said: "Shahid Afridi is the biggest name in Pakistan cricket and we are extremely pleased to have him on board."

"Afridi brings a wealth of experience and a never-say-die attitude to our dressing room," he added.

Despite retiring from international cricket, Afridi has performed surprisingly well in the recently held Natwest T20 Blast, also scoring a century off only 42 balls proving he still has the firepower he is famous for.

The drafts for PSL's third season are expected mid-October for all categories except emerging category, with the emerging category drafts expected in January.

Opinion

First line of defence

First line of defence

Pakistan’s foreign service has long needed reform to be able to adapt to global changes and leverage opportunities in a more multipolar world.

Editorial

Eid amidst crises
Updated 31 Mar, 2025

Eid amidst crises

Until the Muslim world takes practical steps to end these atrocities, these besieged populations will see no joy.
Women’s rights
Updated 01 Apr, 2025

Women’s rights

Such judgements, and others directly impacting women’s rights should be given more airtime in media.
Not helping
Updated 02 Apr, 2025

Not helping

If it's committed to peace in Balochistan, the state must draw a line between militancy and legitimate protest.
Hard habits
Updated 30 Mar, 2025

Hard habits

Their job is to ensure that social pressures do not build to the point where problems like militancy and terrorism become a national headache.
Dreams of gold
30 Mar, 2025

Dreams of gold

PROSPECTS of the Reko Diq project taking off soon seem to have brightened lately following the completion of the...
No invitation
30 Mar, 2025

No invitation

FOR all of Pakistan’s hockey struggles, including their failure to qualify for the Olympics and World Cup as well...