The HBL Pakistan Super League 2026 (HBL PSL 11) is set to enter a brand-new chapter as the league prepares for its first-ever player auction, replacing the traditional draft system. Player Retentions announced for HBL PSL, with franchises now finalizing their squads for the upcoming season, showing which players will remain with their teams and which big names will head into the auction pool. The retention window has already created major headlines, especially with Multan Sultans choosing to retain no player at all, a move that could completely reshape their identity in PSL 2026.
This season is even more significant because the PSL has expanded to eight franchises, with Hyderabad and Sialkot Stallionz joining the competition. The inclusion of two new teams has forced the league to tighten retention rules, ensuring competitive balance and giving the new franchises a fair chance to build strong squads through the auction process. As excitement grows, all eyes are now on 11 February 2026, the date set for the inaugural PSL auction.
PSL 2026 Auction Date and What’s New This Season
For the first time in PSL history, franchises will take part in an open player auction on 11 February 2026, creating a fresh and more competitive market for players. Unlike previous editions where teams selected players through a draft, the auction format will allow direct bidding, making it likely that some major stars will trigger intense bidding wars. Meanwhile, the two new franchises i.e. Hyderabad and Sialkot Stallionz are expected to announce their retention lists by 7 February 2026, adding further anticipation before the auction day.
PSL 2026 Retention Rules Explained
Retention rules have been made stricter to maintain fairness, especially after league expansion. Existing franchises were allowed to retain up to four players, but with a strict limit of one player per category. These categories include Platinum, Diamond, Gold, Silver, and Emerging, and franchises were given the option to promote or demote players depending on squad-building strategy. The tighter framework has forced teams to release several well-known names into the auction pool, ensuring that PSL 2026 will begin with major changes in team line-ups.
Here are the team-wise retention list details for the upcoming 11th edition of Pakistan Super League 2026
Lahore Qalandars Retained Players for PSL 2026
Defending champions Lahore Qalandars have retained a strong core, once again building their team around captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, one of the league’s most impactful leaders. Lahore Qalandars have also kept Abdullah Shafique as a key batting pillar and retained the experienced all-rounder Sikandar Raza, ensuring balance in the squad. Rising star Mohammad Naeem has also been retained, showing Lahore’s commitment to strengthening their emerging talent pipeline.
Lahore Qalandars Retentions: Shaheen Shah Afridi (Platinum), Abdullah Shafique (Diamond), Sikandar Raza (Gold), Mohammad Naeem (Silver)
Quetta Gladiators Retained Players for PSL 2026
Quetta Gladiators have focused heavily on spin and domestic consistency in their retention choices. Their biggest retention is Abrar Ahmed in the Platinum category, a bowler known for his mystery spin and match-winning potential. Alongside him, Gladiators have retained Usman Tariq and Hasan Nawaz, while also keeping emerging left-hander Shamyl Hussain, indicating a balanced approach between experience and youth.
Quetta Gladiators Retentions: Abrar Ahmed (Platinum), Usman Tariq (Diamond), Hasan Nawaz (Gold), Shamyl Hussain (Emerging)
Islamabad United Retained Players for PSL 2026
The three-time PSL champions Islamabad United have taken a different approach by retaining only three players, but their list includes the most important name of their captain Shadab Khan. Shadab’s retention extends his long association with the franchise, as he continues to remain the face of Islamabad United’s squad. Islamabad United have also retained fast bowler Salman Irshad and USA wicket-keeper-batter Andries Gous, while preparing to rebuild the remaining squad through aggressive auction bidding.
Islamabad United Retentions: Shadab Khan (Platinum), Salman Irshad (Gold), Andries Gous (Silver)
Peshawar Zalmi Retained Players for PSL 2026
Peshawar Zalmi have ensured stability by retaining their captain and PSL’s all-time leading run scorer, Babar Azam, in the Platinum category. With Babar Azam as their cornerstone, Peshawar Zalmi have also kept left-arm spinner Sufyan Moqim, powerful hitter Abdul Samad, and emerging pacer Ali Raza. Their strategy reflects a minimal but solid core, allowing flexibility to strengthen key areas during the auction.
Peshawar Zalmi Retentions: Babar Azam (Platinum), Sufyan Moqim (Diamond), Abdul Samad (Gold), Ali Raza (Emerging)
Karachi Kings Retained Players for PSL 2026
Karachi Kings have prioritized bowling strength by retaining Hasan Ali in the Platinum category, the PSL’s leading wicket-taker and one of the most reliable performers in PSL history. They have also retained Mohammad Abbas Afridi for his death-bowling ability and kept Khushdil Shah as a dependable middle-order batter. Emerging wicketkeeper Saad Baig completes their retention list, giving the Kings a blend of experience and youth.
Karachi Kings Retentions: Hasan Ali (Platinum), Mohammad Abbas Afridi (Diamond), Khushdil Shah (Gold), Saad Baig (Emerging)
Multan Sultans Make the Boldest Move: Zero Retentions
The most surprising decision of the retention window came from Multan Sultans, who officially retained no player from their previous squad. This means the franchise will enter the PSL 2026 auction with the maximum available purse, reportedly around USD 1.6 million, and will attempt to build an entirely new squad from scratch. While risky, this move could allow Multan to construct a more balanced and stronger team if they bid smartly during the auction.
Multan Sultans Retentions: None
Hyderabad and Sialkot Stallionz Retentions Still Awaited
With PSL expanding to eight teams, the two new franchises, Hyderabad and Sialkot Stallionz, are expected to confirm their retained players before 7 February 2026. Their decisions will be crucial, as these retentions will shape how aggressively they enter the auction market and which areas they prioritize for squad building.
Full PSL 2026 Player Retention List (All Teams)
Here are the full Player Retention List of PSL-11 2026 of all franchises:
- Lahore Qalandars: Shaheen Shah Afridi, Abdullah Shafique, Sikandar Raza, Mohammad Naeem
- Quetta Gladiators: Abrar Ahmed, Usman Tariq, Hasan Nawaz, Shamyl Hussain
- Islamabad United: Shadab Khan, Salman Irshad, Andries Gous
- Peshawar Zalmi: Babar Azam, Sufyan Moqim, Abdul Samad, Ali Raza
- Karachi Kings: Hasan Ali, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Khushdil Shah, Saad Baig
- Multan Sultans: No retained players
- Hyderabad: To be announced
- Sialkot Stallionz: To be announced
Final Thoughts: Player Retentions announced for HBL PSL
With retentions now locked, the focus shifts fully to the PSL 2026 auction, where franchises will complete their squads and chase top domestic and overseas stars. Several big names have been released into the auction pool, meaning fans can expect fierce bidding battles and major reshuffles. The tournament is set to start from 26 March to 3 May 2026, promising a longer season packed with high-intensity T20 action.