PSL 2016: Lasith Malinga, Albie Morkel latest additions for second season draft

Sri Lankan ace seam bowler Lasith Malinga and South African Albie Morkel are the latest to put their names in the hat for the draft for the second edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) to be held in February in 2017. The first edition of the PSL was a runaway success with Islamabad United beating Quetta Gladiators in the final. A number of international stars including Shane Watson, Chris Gayle , Kevin Pietersen and Darren Sammy took part in the league that saw 5 teams competing for the title.

Read: Team of the tournament for the first edition of the PSL

This year, the PSL is growing leaps and bounds with the latest announcement of Malinga and Morkel joining the bulging talent pool. Malinga is one of the most successful bowlers in the T20 format of the game with his expertise in bowling the yorker proving to be a vital boost to any team. He has been troubled by injury in the recent past, with injury ruling him out of last year’s PSL, the World T20 and the IPL this year. However, Malinga will be raring to go now.

Albie Morkel is one of the best all rounders in the T20 format of the game. He has seen his stock fall slightly over the past couple of seasons, but has shown his worth, especially in his years with the successful Chennai Super Kings franchise. On his day, there are very few match-winners like him, his ability to hit the ball out of the park is simply astounding.

Up to 16 players can be retained from the old team, players will be classified into five categories like last year - Platinum, Diamond, Gold, Silver and Emerging. Last year 310 players took part in the draft out of which 138 were from Pakistan. The draft window closes on September 14 2016, said PSL chairman Najam Sethi.

Earlier on, former New Zealand cricketer Brendon McCullum and Englishman Eoin Morgan also agreed to play in next year’s PSL. The pieces are coming together and it promises to be a fascinating battle when the next edition gets underway.