3 players who can become the most expensive buy in PSL 2026 auction

Players who can become the most expensive buy in PSL auction [Source: AFP]

For the first time in PSL history, a mega auction will take place as 879 players have registered themselves for the auction, and it also involves some big names, as the marquee event will take place on Wednesday, February 11. The draft system, which was used since the league’s inception, was scrapped as all eight teams wanted a mega auction.

High-profile names from different nations have put forward their names as anticipation has skyrocketed for the next season. Some players are certain to get a hefty amount in the auction, while some will go unsold. In this piece, we take a look at 3 players who could become the costliest players in the upcoming PSL auction.

1) Haris Rauf

Haris Rauf might be going through a slump in terms of his recent performances for Pakistan, but one thing is for sure, the speedster always turns up when playing in the PSL, and expect the franchises to go after him in the upcoming auction.

Rauf has his bowling economy on the higher side, but he is a genuine wicket-taker, and franchises often look at such players to be included in the team.

(Haris Rauf in PSL)

• As the stats suggest, Rauf conceded runs at nearly 10 runs per over, but what makes him special is his ability to take wickets at various intervals. He is a master of bowling in the middle-overs, and can also give breakthroughs in the death overs.
• He is a PSL superstar and was Lahore Qalandars’ key bowler, and now the franchises have a chance to get their hands on one of the best T20 bowlers of Pakistan.

2) Daryl Mitchell

One of the hottest commodities in world cricket at the moment, the New Zealand all-rounder, Daryl Mitchell has set his base price at PK4 4.2 crore, and the franchises should be on high-alert as the Kiwi player is going through a stellar form.

He hammered India in the recently concluded ODI series, and also gave finishing touches in New Zealand’s T20 World Cup opening match against Afghanistan side.

The hard-hitting batter has a stellar T20 record and the data reveals the entire story.

(Daryl Mitchell T20I stats)

• As the table reveals, the experienced batter has scored plenty of runs for the Kiwis in the T20Is, and moreover, he strikes at over 140, showcasing his hitting abilities.
• Mitchell has previously played in the PSL, and teams will want someone in their side who has prior knowledge about the conditions in Pakistan.

3) Sahibzada Farhan

Another Pakistan player who makes the list is the opening batter, Sahibzada Farhan. He came into limelight after his exploits in the PSL, and the right-handed player has also done well at the international level.

His strike rate for Pakistan is questionable, but Sahibzada’s stocks are high after he smashed Jasprit Bumrah in the Asia Cup, and several franchises have already been put on high alert.

In 34 PSL matches, he has accumulated 906 runs, with a strike rate of 134.02. Last season in the PSL, he smashed 449 runs, and his strike rate was 152. This performance, combined with his recent exploits for Pakistan could help him earn a hefty amount in the PSL auction.

Final verdict

Several big names have been added to the PSL auction pool, but the three players mentioned in the list could earn a hefty amount in the auction. However, if one name has to be picked out of them, then it has to be Sahibzada Farhan, who has done well in recent times and has suddenly become Pakistan’s undisputed first-choice opener in T20Is.