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PSL Draft Recaps: Every First Platinum Pick by Lahore Qalandars

Lahore Qalandars have consistently showcased their strategic prowess in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) drafts, making impactful first platinum picks that have shaped their journey to success.

Let’s delve into each of their first platinum selections across every PSL draft, highlighting the significance and performance of these star players.

PSL Inception Draft (2015): Chris Gayle

In the inaugural PSL draft of 2016, Lahore Qalandars made a bold statement by selecting the legendary West Indian Chris Gayle as their first platinum pick. Gayle’s’ vast experience and impeccable power-hitting technique were seen as invaluable assets for the fledgling team.

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Impact and Performance

Both Chris Gayle and Lahore Qalandars failed to deliver on the fanfare in the inaugural season. The team finished last, which was the pattern in the early years of the competition, and Gayle was unlike his usual dominant self.

Player	Team	Mat	Inns	NO	Runs	HS	Ave	BF	SR	100s	50s	4s	6s
Chris Gayle	Lahore Qalandars	5	5	0	103	60	20.60	68	151.47	0	1	7	8

PSL 2 Draft (2016): Brendon McCullum

In the second PSL draft Lahore Qalandars opted to replace Chis Gayle with another explosive batter in Brendon McCullum with their first Platinum pick. The Kiwi was made captain straightaway as the Qalandars looked to put a dismal inaugural season behind them.

On-Field Contributions

The move did not pan out. McCullum struggled with the bat and Qalandars struggled as a team finishing dead last once again. McCullum finished the year with the following stats:

Mat	Inns	NO	Runs	HS	Ave	BF	SR	100s	50s	4s	6s
8	7	0	93	31	13.28	75	124.00	0	0	14	2

PSL 3 Draft (2017): Chris Lynn

In the third PSL draft, Lahore Qalandars stuck to their formula of choosing a hard-hitting batter up the order. The franchise settled on the name of Australian powerhouse Chris Lynn in the third go. Lynn had a decent year with the bat which included a century to his name but could not prevent the Qalandars from finishing last once again.

Chris Lynn’s Stats:

Team	Mat	Inns	NO	Runs	HS	Ave	BF	SR	100s	50s	4s	6s
LQ	8	8	1	284	113*	40.57	158	179.74	1	1	32	16

PSL 4 Draft (2018): AB de Villiers

In their 4th time attempt, Lahore Qalandars selected AB de Villiers to turn their fortunes around. Arguably the most electrifying batter at that time, de Villiers had a decent enough personal year as Qalandars finished last once again. The South African was helpless as his team won just 3 games out of 10 despite its firepower.

AB de Villiers PSL 4 Stats:

Mat	Inns	NO	Runs	HS	Ave	BF	SR	100s	50s	4s	6s
7	7	3	218	52*	54.50	169	128.99	0	1	19	5

PSL 5 Draft (2019): Chris Lynn

Chris Lynn once again returned to the franchise through the player draft for the 5th season. The Australian again had a decent season with the bat as Lahore finally broke through into the playoffs before eventually reaching the final. With Lynn not available for the latter rounds, the Qalandars were beaten in the final.

PSL 6 Draft (2021): Rashid Khan

Looking to build on their success Lahore Qalandars managed to snag the best T20 bowler on the planet in the next draft. While the season ended in disappointment for the Qalandars with another 5th-place finish, Rashid himself was a revelation. His stats were a sign of turning tides for the stricken franchise.

Mat	Inns	Balls	Runs	Wkts	BBI	BBM	Ave	Econ	SR	4w	5w
8	8	192	175	11	5/20	5/20	15.90	5.46	17.4	0	1

PSL 7 Draft (2021) : Fakhar Zaman

With their retention of Rashid Khan, Qalandars were forced to offload Fakhar for the draft before quickly nabbing him with their first pick. He went on a rampage with the bat as Qalandars finally reached the promised land after beating Multan in the final.

Season	League	M	Inn	R	B	NO	AVG	SR	HS	50	100	4s	6s
2022	PSL	13	12	584	383	0	48.66	152.4	106	7	1	53	20

PSL 8 Draft (2022): Fakhar Zaman

Qalandars repeated the same trick next time as well and it paid off once again. Fakhar had another decent season before Lahore repeated as champions after taking down Multan for a second straight year.

Season	League	M	Inn	R	B	NO	AVG	SR	HS	50	100	4s	6s
2023	PSL	13	13	429	267	0	33.00	160.6	115	2	1	34	27

PSL 9 Draft (2023): Fakhar Zaman

Lahore Qalandars took the saying “If it ain’t broke don’t fix it” to the heart for a third year in a row when they selected Fakhar Zaman with their first pick once again. However, this time it did not work out. Fakhar had a lean year by his standards and Qalandars struggled mightily once again like the old days. Shaheen’s team finished last after winning the previous two tournaments.

Season	League	M	Inn	Runs	Balls	NO	AVG	SR	HS	50	100	4s	6s
2024	PSL	8	8	157	136	0	19.62	115.4	54	1	0	13	4

While Lahore Qalandars have managed to use impactful platinum picks to win PSL twice in the past, they have the opportunity to add to their repertoire this year as well. The team holds the first pick for PSL 10 in the player’s draft and has a sundry of options at their disposal including but not limited to an Australian cricketing legend.

To see what Qalandars do with their pick, stay tuned to ProSports for more updates, in-depth analyses, and exclusive insights into the Pakistan Super League and your favorite teams.