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Amid reports that the Pakistan Super League is considering switching its player selection model from a draft system to an auction-based format, Atif Rana, a Pakistani politician and owner of the Lahore Qalandars franchise, has said that the PSL is the best league in the world because of its draft system.
Atif Rana was both expressive and confident while sharing his views, stating that the draft-based player selection helps teams remain more competitive than in any other league.
What Player selection model does PSL follow currently?
Notably, the PSL draft system was inspired by American sports, where players are assigned to categories such as platinum, diamond, gold, silver, and emerging. Teams are then allowed to pick players in a predetermined order.
Importantly, there are no bidding wars in the PSL, as the league does not follow an auction model. As a result, the team that finishes at the bottom of the table in the previous season gets the first pick in the draft, a system designed to maintain competitiveness across the league.
Atif Rana on PSL draft system being the No. 1
Speaking to Geo News, Rana strongly backed the PSL format, describing it as the number one league in the world because of the draft system. He explained that teams remain evenly matched due to this structure, and the league has been able to maintain both quality and balance over the years.
“Our cricketing talent and our competition are better than any other league," Rana said on Geo News. “If you look at it purely cricket-wise, the PSL is the number one league in the world — and why is that? Because of the draft system.
The teams stay competitive, and look at the last four finals: all were decided in the last over or on the last ball. So I believe it’s because of this draft system that the league has maintained its quality and balance," Rana said.
Rana backs PSL over IPL as a brand
When asked whether the draft system was better than the auction model, Rana responded by saying that the PSL was more important than individual players. He also cited examples of Rashid Khan and other star cricketers who continued to participate in the league not just for financial reasons, but because of the league’s stature and competitive environment.
“It’s not about individuals or brands, it’s about the PSL. We are all PSL fans — players, owners, PCB — everyone grows the PSL together. So tell me, what exactly has gone wrong with the draft? What snake has come out of it that people are so scared? The money we already pay, compared to many other leagues, is still very good,” Rana said.
“And this idea that if you forcefully change the system and pay more money, bigger players will automatically come, that’s not how it works. Our experience over time shows that clearly. Big players have played with us.
Rashid Khan played in the PSL for a completely different amount, many times less than what he earns in the IPL. Harry Brook played his first season with us, and then the IPL picked him.
Tim David played with us when he was coming from Singapore — if I remember correctly, around $5,000 — and his next IPL contract was $1.6 million," Rana concluded.
With the PSL currently considering changes to its salary cap structure as well as a possible shift to an auction system, the league is preparing for its next edition, which is set to begin on March 26. Ahead of the season, PSL officials are expected to finalise all major decisions before January 30.
