Marnus Labuschagne enters PSL; Saim Ayub, Mohammad Nawaz join new teams for record price

PSL teams makes new signings [Source: @TUnlimitedd, @Zubair887, @dhillow_/X.com]

The PSL is entering a new era with expansion to eight teams and the shift to a player auction. Ahead of PSL 11, franchises have made bold early moves. 

Hyderabad, one of the new teams, grabbed headlines by signing Australia’s Marnus Labuschagne directly. 

Meanwhile, local stars Saim Ayub and Mohammad Nawaz landed massive deals with new franchises. Together, these signings are examples of the growing financial power and global pull of the PSL. 

Marnus Labuschagne set for PSL debut

Hyderabad announced Marnus Labuschagne as their marquee direct signing ahead of the historic auction. It will be the Australian batter’s first appearance in the PSL. 

With his calm temperament and consistency in Tests and ODIs, Labuschagne adds instant credibility to the new franchise.

While his T20 resume is modest, Hyderabad see value beyond raw numbers. Labuschagne brings stability at the top and can anchor an innings. 

Marnus Labuschagne can also bowl useful spin in the middle overs. Moreover, his experience of high-pressure international cricket will be crucial for a debutant side finding its feet.

However, the franchise did not disclose his contract value. Regardless, the signing itself sends a message. Hyderabad want proven match temperament, not just explosive power. 

With PSL 11 running from March 26 to May 3, Marnus Labuschagne’s presence also boosts the league’s global appeal.

Saim Ayub smashes PSL salary record

Beyond Marnus Labuschagne, Saim Ayub became the most expensive player in PSL history after signing with Hyderabad for a staggering PKR 126 million in the Platinum category. 

The left-hander has been one of Pakistan’s brightest white-ball talents in recent seasons. Interestingly, Saim Ayub made his PSL debut for the Quetta Gladiators before playing three seasons for the Peshawar Zalmi.

That being said, Ayub's aggressive style is perfect for PSL. He attacks from ball one and thrives in powerplay conditions. Hyderabad see him as a long-term face of the franchise. The price is not just for his current form but for his future value. 

Usman Khan also joined Hyderabad in the Diamond category for PKR 46.2 million. Meanwhile, Maaz Sadaqat and Akif Javed were picked in the Emerging and Gold categories. 

Overall, these signings show that PSL franchises are now willing to invest heavily in local stars. 

Mohammad Nawaz goes to Sialkot Stallionz

Sialkot Stallionz, the other new franchise, also made strong early signings. Mohammad Nawaz joined them in the Platinum category as one of Pakistan’s premium all-rounders.

Nawaz offers balance. He bowls economical left-arm spin and is useful for runs down the order. His international experience and development throughout previous seasons in the PSL will make him a safe yet impactful investment.

Mohammad Nawaz previously played for Quetta Gladiators, Karachi Kings and Islamabad United. But this year, he will offer his services to the debutant franchise, the Stallionz. 

Alongside Nawaz, Sialkot signed Salman Mirza, Ahmed Daniyal and Saad Masood across categories. The focus is clearly on building a competitive core before the auction.