In a surprising turn of events, several high-profile cricketers who went unsold in the IPL 2025 auction have found new opportunities in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 draft held on January 13, 2025. The draft, which took place in Lahore, showcased a strong demand for players overlooked by IPL franchises, highlighting the competitive nature of the PSL.

Unsold IPL players make their mark in PSL 2025 Draft

Despite not attracting bids during the IPL 2024 auction, players such as David Warner, Kane Williamson and Daryl Mitchell were selected in the PSL draft, signalling a shift in their fortunes. The PSL 2025 season is set to run from early April to late May, allowing these players to showcase their skills on a prominent platform.

Key selections

Here’s a look at some notable players who transitioned from unsold status in the IPL to being picked in the PSL:

• Akeal Hosein – Quetta Gladiators
• Chris Jordan – Multan Sultans
• David Warner – Karachi Kings
• Finn Allen – Quetta Gladiators
• Jason Holder – Islamabad United
• Johnson Charles – Multan Sultans
• Josh Little – Multan Sultans
• Kane Williamson – Karachi Kings
• Kyle Jamieson – Quetta Gladiators
• Mark Chapman – Quetta Gladiators
• Matthew Short – Islamabad United
• Michael Bracewell – Multan Sultans
• Rassie Van Der Dussen – Islamabad United
• Riley Meredith – Islamabad United
• Sam Billings – Lahore Qalandars
• Sean Abbott – Quetta Gladiators
• Sikandar Raza – Lahore Qalandars

PSL 2025 Draft highlights

The PSL draft lasted for seven hours and was marked by an impressive selection of international stars. The league’s organizers aimed to enhance player availability this season, especially as it overlaps with the IPL.

This year’s draft was particularly significant as it allowed franchises to fill gaps left by players who went unsold in the IPL 2025 mega auction. While Williamson’s selection by Karachi Kings marked his anticipated debut in the PSL, he notably remained unsold during both the IPL auction and the PSL draft, raising questions about his current marketability. In fact, Williamson was picked in the supplementary round by the Karachi franchise.

In contrast, David Warner, who is having a stellar run in the Big Bash League (BBL) |14has been crowned the most expensive player of the PSL season 10 after being signed by Karachi Kings for $300,000 during the player draft in Lahore. He will reunite with former Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) teammate Williamson in PSL 2025.