According to the PCB, the PSL Player Auction Model Replaces Draft System, which is aimed at enhancing competitive balance, improving transparency, and offering players greater financial opportunities. Over the years, the PSL has grown into one of the world’s most-watched T20 leagues, and officials believe this structural reform is a natural next step in its journey. The new system is expected to inject fresh excitement into team-building while ensuring a more level playing field for all franchises.
Historic Shift to PSL Player Auction Model Replaces Draft System
The Pakistan Super League (PSL) is set to undergo the most significant transformation in its history as it prepares for its 11th edition in 2026. After a decade of operating under a player draft system, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a shift to a full-fledged player auction model. This landmark decision reflects the league’s ambition to evolve, stay competitive, and align itself with global best practices seen in other leading T20 leagues around the world.
Refurbish the Player Retention Rules
One of the most notable changes under the new framework is the refurbishment of player retention rules. Previously, franchises were allowed to retain up to eight players from their squads, with additional provisions such as mentors, brand ambassadors, and the Right to Match (RTM) option enabling teams to retain a ninth player.
From PSL 11 onwards, this will no longer be the case. Each franchise will now be permitted to retain a maximum of four players, with only one player allowed per category. This means teams must make tough strategic decisions about which players to hold on to, potentially leading to greater player movement across franchises than ever before.
The abolition of mentors, brand ambassadors, and the RTM option further simplifies the recruitment process. By removing these layers, the PCB hopes to create a system that is easier to understand for fans and fairer for players. The new structure also prevents established teams from stockpiling talent, which had become a point of contention, particularly with the introduction of new franchises.
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Expansion and New Franchise Opportunities
The reforms coincide with the induction of two new teams, Hyderabad and Sialkot. To ensure these teams are competitive from the outset, newly inducted franchises will be allowed to select and retain four players from the available pool before the auction begins. This measure is designed to place new and existing teams on a more equal footing ahead of the bidding process, although the exact mechanism for these pre-auction selections is yet to be clarified.
Direct Foreign Signings
Another significant feature of the new system is the allowance for one direct foreign signing per franchise. Teams will be able to sign one overseas player directly, provided that player did not feature in the previous PSL season. This provision opens the door for fresh international talent to enter the league and gives franchises additional flexibility to address specific squad needs outside the auction room.
Increased Player Salary Purse
Financially, the PSL is also taking a major step forward. The player salary purse for each franchise has been increased to USD 1.6 million, up from around USD 1.1 to 1.3 million in previous seasons. This increase underlines the league’s commitment to rewarding performance and attracting elite domestic and international cricketers. Higher purses are expected to intensify bidding wars at the auction and further raise the standard of competition.
Challenges and Strategic Decisions
These reforms have not come without debate. In recent months, discussions between the PCB and franchise owners revealed differing opinions on how the new system should be structured. Some existing teams were keen to retain the core of their squads, while new franchises pushed for access to a stronger player pool. The final model represents a compromise, balancing continuity with change, and setting the stage for a more dynamic league.
Looking Ahead to PSL 11
PSL 11 is scheduled to begin on 26 March 2026, and the upcoming season will also see Faisalabad added as an additional host venue. The inclusion of Faisalabad marks the city’s return to top-level cricket and further expands the league’s national footprint, bringing the action closer to fans across the country.
While details regarding the auction timeline, player categories, and operational guidelines are expected to be announced in due course. One thing is clear: the PSL is entering a bold new chapter as the PSL player auction model replaces draft system. With sweeping reforms to its player recruitment system, increased financial investment, and an expanded footprint. The league is positioning itself for sustained growth and global relevance in the years ahead.