PSL to have auction instead of draft system

In a major shake-up ahead of the 11th edition of the Pakistan Super League(PSL), the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced that the tournament will replace its traditional player draft with a player auction

system.

The shift marks the most significant structural change in the PSL since its inception in 2016, ending a decade-long tradition of having a player draft system. The 11th edition of the PSL is scheduled to start on March 26, with Faisalabad added as a new host venue as part of the league’s expanded version. 

Each franchise will be allowed to retain up to four players, with only one player per category being held back ahead of the auction. This is a significant reduction from last season’s rules that permitted teams to retain eight players, plus extras like a mentor, brand ambassador, and a Right to Match (RTM) option in the draft. 

PCB has removed the mentor, brand ambassador, and RTM provisions entirely ahead of PSL 2026, opening up more core talent to the auction pool.

There will also be a special provision for the newly-inducted teams. They will be able to pick and retain four players from the available pool before the auction begins, offering them a chance to build competitive cores early. Additionally, each franchise can make one direct signing of a foreign player who did not feature in PSL X.

The move to auction also comes with a boost in the financial strength of the franchises, with the player salary purse increased to USD 1.6 million per franchise, up from previous seasons, underlining PCB’s intent to attract elite domestic and international talent. 

Speaking on the reforms, PSL CEO Salman Naseer highlighted the broader vision behind the change. 

“The PSL will now transition from a draft to players auction system, which should increase transparency and enhance the competitive balance of teams in the league. It will also provide players greater earning opportunities,” he added. 

PCB described the auction shift as a “historic move” that not only modernises the league’s operations but also reinforces the PSL’s long-term growth and competitiveness.

Two new teams introduced 

In another landmark decision, the PSL has been expanded to a eight team tournament, with the addition of two new teams based in Hyderabad and Sialkot. The Hyderabad team was secured by FKS for USD 6.2 million, whereas the other team was bought by OZ Developers with a winning bid of USD 6.55 million.