PSL 9 Draft: 'Iftikhar Ahmed becomes Sultan'

In one of the “biggest trade deals” in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) history, the Quetta Gladiators traded Iftikhar Ahmed in replacement of Rilee Rossouw from the Multan Sultans for the upcoming season 9 of the cricket tournament. 

The Sultans in a statement, while confirming the trade, shared that under the deal they also get the first pick in the platinum round and the first Silver category pick.

“Sultans, #IftiMania aapki team mein araha hay!” said Iftikhar while referring to the moniker adopted by him. He added that he was delighted to become a Sultan and represent the fans of Multan whose “passion for this game is second to none”.

“Multan Sultans have evolved into a strong team and their record in the last three seasons speak for itself. Now, it is my ambition to help them bag the prestigious PSL trophy,” said Iftikhar.

Multan skipper Mohammad Rizwan expressed his excitement to welcome the player who he believes brings “outstanding all-round skills”.

“It was not only his on-field skills that made us finalise this trade, but he is also a brilliant team player who uplifts dressing rooms with his presence. We are eager to put together a set of players whose skills are in sync with our positive, bold and aggressive brand of cricket,” said Rizwan.

Rossouw's trade to Quetta also means that the player is returning back to the franchise from which he made his PSL debut.

This is the second trade confirmed in PSL ahead of the draft scheduled to take place on December 13.

A day earlier, Imad Wasim was traded by the Karachi Kings for Hassan Ali from Islamabad United.

Wasim, who guided Karachi to their maiden PSL title in the fifth edition, has been taken by United under the Platinum category.

While, Hassan, who represented Islamabad in the last season, will play for the Karachi Kings under the Diamond category.

“By virtue of this player trade, Karachi Kings have received Islamabad United’s first-round silver pick in exchange for their second-round silver pick,” the PSL had confirmed in a statement.