Lahore(Nnpakistan)In a surprising turn of events at The Hundred 2024 player draft, Pakistani cricket sensations Babar Azam and Mohammed Rizwan found themselves without any bids, despite their significant contributions to Pakistan’s cricketing success. The disappointment came after both players, along with T20 skipper Shaheen Afridi, decided to register for the draft at the eleventh hour.
Among the 64 Pakistani cricketers who threw their hats into the ring earlier in the month, Babar and Rizwan were not the only ones left without a team. Even notable international players like Jason Roy, David Warner, Tim David, and Shakib Al Hasan faced a similar fate.
However, there was a glimmer of hope for Pakistan as star pacer Shaheen Afridi was retained by Welsh Fire for £100,000, the same franchise he represented last year. Moreover, two Pakistani bowlers, Haris Rauf (Welsh Fire) and Usama Mir (Manchester Originals), were retained before the draft.
In other draft news, retired all-rounder Imad Wasim, fresh off his pivotal role in Islamabad United’s recent triumph in the Pakistan Super League (PSL 9), returned to Trent Rockets for £100,000. Additionally, pacer Naseem Shah secured a spot with Birmingham Phoenix for £125,000.
The outcome of the draft left many fans and experts surprised, raising questions about the selection process and the criteria used by franchises.
