PSL 11 Player Auction Details Revealed: A New Era for Squad Building
The Pakistan Super League (PSL) has officially unveiled significant details for the upcoming PSL 11 Player Auction Model. This groundbreaking announcement confirms a strategic shift in how squads will be assembled and how players will be retained, as the league gears up for its return in March 2026. This move promises to redefine the competitive landscape of Pakistan’s premier cricket tournament.
PSL 11 Player Auction: A Game-Changer
After a decade of utilizing the traditional draft format, the PSL is embracing a new era. For PSL 11, the league will adopt a comprehensive Player Auction Model, entirely replacing the former Player Draft system. Consequently, this initiative aims to improve competitive balance across all franchises, thereby increasing transparency in team building processes. Furthermore, it is designed to create stronger earning opportunities for professional players.
Key Changes in Player Retention for PSL 11
Limited Retentions and New Policies
Under the revised framework, franchises will face new limitations. Specifically, teams will be allowed to retain a maximum of four players from their previous squad. Crucially, only one player retention is permitted per category. This marks a significant departure from previous seasons, which allowed teams to retain up to eight players, alongside additional provisions for mentors, brand ambassadors, and a Right to Match (RTM) mechanism. Subsequently, the PSL has confirmed the removal of all Mentor, Brand Ambassador, and RTM rules for PSL 11.
New Opportunities and Increased Investment
Pathways for New Franchises and Overseas Talent
The league has also outlined a separate pathway to ensure fair play for any newly inducted franchises. These new teams will be permitted to select and retain four players directly from the available player pool before the main auction commences. Additionally, each franchise will be granted the flexibility for one direct signing of an overseas player. However, this provision applies only if the player did not feature in PSL 10, encouraging the inclusion of fresh international talent outside the auction pool.
Enhanced Player Earnings and Venues
To further strengthen the league’s commercial viability and competitive outlook, the PSL has substantially increased the player salary purse. Each franchise now benefits from a $1.6 million allocation. Ultimately, this strategic financial boost is expected to attract top local performers and high-profile overseas cricketers, elevating the overall quality of the tournament. The PSL has confirmed that PSL 11 will commence on March 26, 2026, and excitingly, Faisalabad has been added as an additional venue. Further details regarding the auction process, its full schedule, and detailed operational guidelines will be shared in due course.
