LONDON: There were no takers for Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan in the The Hundred Draft for the tournament’s 2024 edition on Thursday.
Former Pakistan skipper Babar and Rizwan, who have piled records as a T20 international opening pair for the national side, couldn’t find a place among the 32 players — both international and domestic — picked by the eight teams of the 100-ball format.
Babar, Rizwan and Pakistan’s current T20 captain Shaheen Shah Afridi had registered for the draft just days ahead of it. Shaheen, however, was picked again for Welsh Fire, the team he had represented last season.
Meanwhile, Pakistan all-rounder ImadWasim made a return to Trent Rockets after winning the Pakistan Super League for Islamabad United. His United team-mate and Pakistan pace sensation Naseem Shah was snapped up by Birmingham Phoenix.
Some formidable T20 names in Shadab Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed and Mohammad Amir did not fall in favour for any of the franchises, who also ignored the likes of international stars Jason Roy, David Warner, Tim David, and Shakib Al Hasan.
West Indies players proved to be an attractive prospect for the teams in the draft as Northern Superchargers picked Nicholas Pooran, the first signing of the draft. Andre Russell and ShimronHetmyer, meanwhile, were roped in by London Spirit.
Former international Kieron Pollard, who represented Karachi Kings in the PSL, joined Southern Brave, while Peshawar Zalmi’sRovman Powell made a move to Trent Rockets.
Injured Pakistan pacer Haris Rauf (Welsh Fire) and the PSL’s highest wicket-taker Usama Mir (Manchester Originals) were retained ahead of the draft. The Hundred is scheduled to start on July 23.
Meanwhile, Seasoned Pakistan batter Javeria Khan announced her retirement from international cricket on Thursday, ending her 15-year career with the national women’s team.
Javeria made her international debut against Sri Lanka in 2008 and went on to play 228 matches for Pakistan, amassing 4,903 runs with two centuries and 25 half-centuries to her name. She also bagged 28 international wickets.
She is the only women’s cricketer in Pakistan to have scored over 2000 international runs besides former skipper BismahMaroof.
Javeria has represented the national side in four 50-over World Cups (2009, 2013, 2017 and 2022) and in all eight T20 World Cups held since its inception. She was also part of the Pakistan squad that won gold medals in the 2010 and 2014 Asian Games held in China and South Korea, respectively.
Javeria also captained Pakistan women’s team in 17 ODIs and 16 T20Is. Among the 16 T20Is, she captained the side in two editions (2018 and 2020) of ICC Women’s T20 World Cups.
“I want to call it a day and announce my retirement, however, I will be available for league cricket. I am grateful to the unwavering support I received throughout my career,” she was quoted as saying in a press release issued by the Pakistan Cricket Board.
“I want to thank my family, team-mates, the Pakistan Cricket Board, my department ZTBL for their support and guidance at each step, and my fans whose appreciation was instrumental in bringing out the best in me.”
