Steve Smith and Shahid Afridi, on Tuesday, were picked by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) draft. The duo is all set to represent the ‘Sixth Team of PSL’, in PSL 2019. The upcoming season of PSL will not feature ‘Multan Sultans’ team, as it was terminated by the PCB in the last week. A new team with the name ‘Sixth Team of the PSL’ will replace it moving forward.

Last week, the PCB had terminated its agreement with the PSL franchise, Multan Sultans, citing reasons of failure to fulfil financial obligations in time. The franchise had made its debut this season, earlier this year, with a slew of stars – Shoaib Malik, Wasim Akram, and Tom Moody – on its bandwagon.

The PCB, earlier, had issued a statement which stated that the franchise agreement with Schon Properties Broker LLC – owner of Multan Sultans. The official statement read, “As a result of this termination, all rights in respect of the team have now reverted back to PCB.” AB de Villiers Picked by Lahore Qalandars at 2019 PSL T20 Players Draft.

The statement also mentioned that the PSL will go on with the participation of 5 teams only. However, the players’ selection process and other contract-related issues will be undertaken by the PCB. The Board further added, “The Board shall take complete responsibility of all player and coach contracts. Pending further updates, the team shall be referred to as 'The Sixth Team' of PSL.”

It comes as a good news for the fans to see Steve Smith and Shahid Afridi participating in the league. The PSL 2019 is all set to begin on February 14 and the final is scheduled to be played on March 17. To get the latest updates and players’ selection in the ongoing PSL 2019 Draft, click here!

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 20, 2018 04:33 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).