The Pakistan Super League is poised for a major structural shift in its 11th season, with the league’s governing council moving closer to adopting a player auction system and reshaping long-standing retention rules.
Deliberations took place during an extended late-night session of the PSL governing council’s working committee, where officials reviewed several operational and commercial aspects of the upcoming season. The discussions focused on modernising the player recruitment process, adjusting retention mechanisms, and reassessing the league’s salary framework as the tournament prepares for expansion.
Franchises rally behind auction format
A broad consensus emerged in favour of replacing the traditional draft with an auction-based system. According to Geo News, most franchises supported the move, viewing it as a more flexible and market-driven approach to squad building.
Defending champions Lahore Qalandars were among the teams backing the proposal, joined by Quetta Gladiators, Islamabad United, Karachi Kings, and the newly introduced Hyderabad franchise.
Support for the auction model also came from Peshawar Zalmi and the Sialkot franchise, which endorsed the hybrid “drauction” concept currently under consideration.
Revised retention structure
Under the proposed system, existing franchises would be allowed to retain up to four players each, limited to one player per category. Officials have also discussed permitting one retained player to be moved into a lower category and assigned a brand ambassador role, offering teams greater financial and branding flexibility.
Newly added franchises, meanwhile, are expected to assemble their squads primarily through the auction. Two of the new teams reportedly argued for zero retentions, favouring a clean slate approach that would allow them to compete on equal footing with established sides.
Players not retained by franchises will be entered into a central auction pool, from which teams will complete their rosters.
Final approval awaited
The working committee’s recommendations will now be forwarded to Mohsin Naqvi, chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board, for formal approval. Should further discussion be required, a full meeting of the PSL governing council may be convened.
An official announcement detailing the final auction and retention framework is expected within the next few days.
Reports have also indicated that the long-standing requirement to include an Emerging category player in the playing XI may be dropped under the revised regulations.
Auction timeline and commercial push
Preparations are underway for the PSL 11 player auction, which is likely to be held in the first week of February.
Earlier, Mohsin Naqvi urged franchise owners to consider increasing the player salary cap, citing the league’s growing commercial appeal and rising franchise valuations. He encouraged teams to embrace the auction model, arguing that it would allow franchises greater autonomy in securing players aligned with their strategies.
Expansion signals new chapter
PSL 11 is scheduled to begin on March 26 and will mark the league’s expansion from six to eight teams, following the inclusion of franchises from Sialkot and Hyderabad.
The expansion was finalised earlier this year when FKS Group and OZ Developers acquired the new teams for Rs 1.75 billion and Rs 1.85 billion, respectively, at the PSL auction held on January 8 at the Jinnah Convention Centre.
With structural reforms, new teams, and a possible auction-based future, PSL 11 is shaping up to be one of the most transformative seasons in the league’s history.
