Babar and Rizwan go ‘unsold’ in The Hundred Draft 2024. Prominent Pakistani cricketers including Babar Azam and Mohammed Rizwan failed to secure bids in The Hundred 2024 player draft, despite their pivotal roles in Pakistan’s cricketing triumphs.
The Hundred Draft 2024
The omission of these star players, along with others such as Shadab Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Hasan Ali, and Mohammad Amir, from The Hundred Draft 2024underscores a notable trend in this year’s selection process.
International Absences Highlight Draft Dynamics
The absence of Pakistani players wasn’t the only notable aspect of the draft, as renowned international players like Jason Roy, David Warner, Tim David, and Shakib Al Hasan also went unpicked by the franchises.
This sheds light on the dynamics of player selection and the varying criteria used by teams in assembling their squads.
Shaheen Afridi Retained, Some Pakistani Players Find Success
Despite the overall disappointment for Pakistani cricketers, there were a few exceptions. Shaheen Afridi, the T20 captain for Pakistan, managed to retain his spot with Welsh Fire for £100,000, reaffirming his value to the franchise.
Additionally, bowlers Haris Rauf and Usama Mir were retained by Welsh Fire and Manchester Originals respectively, highlighting the recognition of their talent within the league.
Notable Acquisitions and Retentions
Retired all-rounder Imad Wasim, fresh from his impactful performance in the Pakistan Super League (PSL 9), secured a return to Trent Rockets for £100,000.
Pacer Naseem Shah also found a place in the draft, being picked by Birmingham Phoenix for £125,000.
These acquisitions and retentions demonstrate the strategic moves made by franchises to bolster their squads.
West Indies Dominance in Player Picks
While Pakistani players faced challenges, West Indies cricketers emerged as sought-after picks in the draft.
Northern Superchargers notably selected Nicholas Pooran as their first signing, with other West Indian stars like Andre Russell, Shimron Hetmyer, Kieron Pollard, and Rovman Powell also finding teams.
Limited Representation in Women’s Draft
In the women’s draft, Pakistani players were conspicuously absent, with Australian cricketers dominating the selections.
Notable Australian players including Meg Lanning, Beth Mooney, Ashleigh Gardner, Lauren Cheatle, Jess Jonassen, and Sophie Molineux were among those picked, highlighting their prominence in women’s cricket.
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Only two Indian players, Smriti Mandhana and Richa Ghosh, were selected, indicating a limited representation from the Indian contingent.
Anticipation Builds for Fourth Edition
As anticipation builds for the fourth edition of The Hundred, scheduled to commence on July 23, cricket enthusiasts worldwide eagerly await the performances of the diverse lineups assembled through this draft.
The tournament promises to showcase exciting cricketing action while also serving as a platform for players to demonstrate their skills on the international stage.
