The draft for the inaugural edition of the Kashmir Premier League (KPL) was held in Islamabad on Saturday, where all six teams formulated their squads.

The teams include Rawalakot Hawks, Kotli Lions, Mirpur Royals, Muzaffarabad Tigers, Overseas Warriors and Bagh Stallions. They event is scheduled from August 6-16, 2021, in Muzaffarabad.

“The league is designed to provide the young Cricket talent of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) with a quality platform through which they can showcase their skills to the world. The involvement of Pakistani international players assists in raising the community spirit among the people of AJK,” the organisers said in a statement.

“It will also provide global recognition to the culture of the region bestowed with natural magnificence and landscapes in addition to the proliferation of sports in the region, letting us promote tourism in the region and encouraging international and national stakeholders to invest in the region,” the statement added.

Bagh Stallions

The team will be led by Pakistan’s white-ball vice-captain Shadab Khan. Pakistan opener Shan Masood and all-rounder Iftikhar Ahmed are also part of the squad.

Kotli Lions

The franchise will be captained by Pakistan’s opener Fakhar Zaman. Seasoned wicketkeeper-batsman Kamran Akmal, middle-order batsman Asif Ali and leg-spinner Usman Qadir were also snapped up by the side during the draft.

Muzaffarabad Tigers

Pakistan’s veteran all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez will lead the side. Sohail Tanvir, a regular in T20 leagues around the world, and middle-order batsman Sohaib Maqsood are also part of the franchise.

Overseas Warriors

Pakistan’s all-rounder Imad Wasim will captain the side in the event. The team has the services of talented cricketers like Azam Khan and Haider Ali.

Rawalakot Hawks

The team will be led by the flamboyant former Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi. The side has the likes of pacer Mohammad Hasnain, middle-order batsman Danish Aziz and opener Ahmed Shehzad in their ranks.

Mirpur Royals

The side, captained by seasoned all-rounder Shoaib Malik, includes hard-hitting opener Sharjeel Khan, middle-order batsman Khushdil Shah and mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed.