The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a significant structural change for the Pakistan Super League (PSL), replacing the traditional draft system with a player auction for its 11th edition. This shift, revealed on Monday, January 19, 2026, marks the most substantial overhaul since the league's inception in 2016 and aims to enhance competitiveness, transparency, and earning opportunities for players.
The decision to move away from the draft system, which had been in place since the league's beginning, reflects a desire to align the PSL with other prominent T20 leagues around the world, most notably the Indian Premier League (IPL). PSL Chief Executive Officer Salman Naseer stated that the transition to an auction system would increase transparency and enhance the competitive balance of teams.
Under the new player acquisition framework, PSL franchises will be subject to revised retention rules. Teams can now retain a maximum of four players, with only one player allowed per category. Previously, franchises could retain up to eight players, along with a mentor, a brand ambassador, and a "Right to Match" (RTM) option to retain a ninth player. The PCB has abolished the provisions for mentors, brand ambassadors, and the RTM option.
To further bolster squad composition, each franchise will be permitted one direct signing of a foreign player who did not participate in the previous PSL season. This allows teams to strategically add fresh international talent outside of the auction pool.
The PCB has also increased the player salary purse to $1.6 million per franchise, up from $1.3 million. This increase underscores the PSL's commitment to rewarding player performance and attracting elite domestic and international cricketers.
The 11th edition of the PSL is scheduled to commence on March 26, 2026, and will include Faisalabad as a venue. Additionally, the two new franchises, Hyderabad and Sialkot, will be allowed to select and retain four players from the available pool before the player auction.
The move to a player auction is expected to create a more level playing field, promote financial transparency, and provide greater earning opportunities for players. Additional details regarding the auction process, schedule, and operational guidelines will be shared by the PCB in due course.
