Karachi: The deadline for releasing mandatory ten players from the squad is approaching fast and all the Pakistan Super League franchises, but Multan Sultans, are giving final touches to their lists of outgoing players.
Lahore Qalandars, as per a well placed source, are trying to rope in former Australian fast bowler Mitchell Johnson for the upcoming edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
“Umar Akmal’s retention is also 50-50 at the moment. If Mitchell Johnson comes in then Akmal (Umar) will be released”, the source said.
Johnson retired from all forms of International Cricket in 2015, after representing Australia in 73 Tests, 153 ODIs and 30 T20I between 2005 and 2015.
“The left arm quick bowler (Johnson) will be an asset for Qalandars due to his vast experience”, the source added.
“The final list of outgoing players is still being shuffled. At the moment, Azhar Ali is a certain exit but don’t expect much surprises”, the source concluded.
The five PSL teams – Peshawar Zalmi, Lahore Qalandars, Karachi Kings, Quetta Gladiators and Islamabad United – are set to announce the ten retained players on October 5th.
It is mandatory for every team to retain ten players. Afterwards, the new franchise, Multan Sultans will choose ten players before the PSL draft.