Asher Butt
The Pakistan Super League (PSL) is set to usher in a transformative chapter as preparations intensify for its 11th edition, marked by the league’s first-ever player auction, expansion to eight franchises, and sweeping structural reforms aimed at enhancing competitiveness, transparency, and global appeal.
The PSL Player Auction has been scheduled for February 11, replacing the draft system used since the league’s inception in 2016. The move represents a landmark reform by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), positioning the PSL alongside leading global T20 leagues that operate on market-driven player valuations.
Auction model and financial framework
In a significant shift, all auction bids will be conducted in Pakistani Rupees (PKR). The base prices for players have been finalised across four categories:
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PKR 4.2 crore (Platinum tier)
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PKR 2.2 crore (Diamond tier)
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PKR 1.1 crore (Gold tier)
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PKR 60 lakh (Silver tier)
Minimum bid increments have also been defined to ensure structure and fairness:
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PKR 250,000 for bids under PKR 1.1 crore
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PKR 500,000 for bids under PKR 2.2 crore
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PKR 1,000,000 for bids under PKR 4.2 crore
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PKR 1,500,000 for bids above PKR 4.2 crore
Each franchise will have a salary purse of PKR 45 crore, extendable to PKR 50.5 crore in cases where a team opts to directly sign one overseas player outside the auction pool. The PCB has also committed to supporting franchises in procuring elite foreign talent.
Squad composition and youth development
Franchises will be required to assemble squads of 16 to 20 players, including five to seven overseas cricketers. In every playing XI, teams must field a minimum of three and a maximum of four foreign players.
A major emphasis has been placed on youth development. Each squad must include at least two uncapped Under-23 local players, with one mandatory in the playing XI, reinforcing PSL’s role as a pathway for emerging Pakistani talent.
All players—whether retained or auctioned—will be signed on two-year contracts, providing stability for franchises and players alike.
Retentions, future auctions and long-term vision
Ahead of the auction, each existing franchise has been permitted to retain up to four players, one from each category. After PSL 11, franchises will be allowed to retain up to seven players for PSL 12.
Looking further ahead, the PCB has announced that following PSL 12, the league will hold a grand auction, limiting retentions to five players per franchise—ensuring competitive balance and regular talent redistribution.
Expansion to eight teams
PSL 11 will be historic as the league expands from six to eight teams for the first time. Hyderabad and Sialkot have been confirmed as the two new franchises, broadening the league’s geographical footprint and commercial reach.
Hyderabad’s franchise was secured with a winning bid of Rs 1.75 billion, with businessman Fawad Sarwar confirmed as owner. The addition of new markets is expected to enhance fan engagement and sponsorship opportunities.
Ownership changes: Multan Sultans
Separately, the PCB has initiated the process to auction the Multan Sultans franchise, which is currently without an owner. The deadline for submission of technical bids is January 30, with the ownership auction expected to conclude before the player auction—adding another layer of intrigue to the upcoming season.
Consultative process and stakeholder engagement
The reforms were finalised following a high-level workshop at Gaddafi Stadium, chaired by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and PSL CEO Salman Naseer. The session included franchise representatives, PSL officials, PCB executives, and prominent national players.
Among those present were Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Hasan Ali, and Shaheen Shah Afridi, reflecting the board’s emphasis on player input in shaping the league’s future.
Mohsin Naqvi described the auction system as a “landmark step,” stating:
“The Player Auction model offers players better financial opportunities, ensures transparency, and makes the HBL PSL more competitive and attractive.”
PSL CEO Salman Naseer termed the shift a “New Era,” highlighting fairness, market-driven value, and fan expectations as key motivations.
Coaching appointments and franchise developments
The league has also witnessed notable coaching announcements. Former Australian fast bowler Jason Gillespie is reportedly set to become head coach of Hyderabad, marking his return to Pakistan cricket following his departure from the national setup in late 2024.
Meanwhile, Islamabad United, the most successful franchise in PSL history with three titles, have appointed former New Zealand wicketkeeper-batter Luke Ronchi as head coach. Ronchi, a former Islamabad player and fan favorite, returns in a leadership role as the franchise aims to extend its dominance.
Venues and season schedule
PSL 11 is scheduled to begin on March 26, with Faisalabad added as an additional venue alongside traditional host cities—further expanding the league’s domestic reach.
A defining moment for PSL
Since its launch in 2016, the PSL has grown into one of the world’s leading T20 leagues, producing elite Pakistani talent and attracting international stars despite intense competition from global leagues.
With its auction-based system, expanded franchises, stronger financial structure, and focus on youth, PSL 11 is widely viewed as a defining moment—one that could reshape the league’s identity and elevate its standing in world cricket.
As franchises, players, and fans gear up for February’s auction, the countdown has begun for what promises to be the most consequential season in PSL history.
