The Pakistan Super League (PSL) is entering a transformative era. In a move that brings it closer to the global standard of franchise cricket, the league has officially confirmed that the 11th edition will transition from its traditional draft system to a high-stakes player auction model.
Following a high-level workshop involving PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, league officials, and franchise representatives, several groundbreaking updates were revealed regarding the 2026 season. From the introduction of new teams to a revamped salary structure, here is the breakdown of what to expect on February 11.
New Franchises and the Shift to an Auction Model
The biggest headline for PSL 11 is the expansion of the league. To heighten competition and tap into new fanbases, two additional franchises—Hyderabad and Sialkot—will join the fray. This expansion brings the total number of competing teams to eight. To accommodate this growth and ensure a fair distribution of talent, the PCB has scrapped the draft in favor of an auction.
Under this new system, players will be sold in Pakistani Rupees (PKR) rather than US Dollars. The financial stakes are higher than ever: the base price for the elite Platinum bracket is set at PKR 42 million. Other categories follow a tiered structure, with base prices of PKR 22 million (Diamond), PKR 11 million (Gold), and PKR 6 million (Silver).
This shift isn’t just about optics; it’s about market value. As Chairman Mohsin Naqvi noted, the auction model provides “better financial opportunities” and a “transparent acquisition process,” ultimately making the league more attractive to global superstars and local talent alike.
Squad Regulations and Financial Purses for PSL 11
With the auction date fast approaching, franchises are already crunching the numbers. Each of the eight sides will operate with an auction purse of PKR 450 million. However, teams have the flexibility to extend this budget to PKR 505 million if they choose to make a direct signing of one foreign player outside of the auction pool.
Squad Composition Rules
- Total Players: 16 to 20 players per squad.
- Overseas Limit: Each team can house 5 to 7 international players.
- Contract Length: All players (retained or auctioned) will sign two-year contracts.
- Emerging Talent: Every starting XI must include at least one local player under 23 who has never played in the PSL before.
Regarding retentions, existing franchises are permitted to keep four players from their current squads—specifically one from each category (Platinum, Diamond, Gold, and Silver). While the specific player placements for these categories are yet to be finalized, the move ensures that teams maintain a core identity while still participating heavily in the auction.
The Search for a New Multan Sultans Owner
Interestingly, the league is also looking for new leadership for the Multan Sultans. A separate auction for the ownership of the franchise is scheduled to take place before the player auction. Potential owners have until January 30 to submit their technical bids. This means by the time February 11 rolls around, the Sultans should have a new management team ready to battle for the best players in the world.
