PCB set to copy IPL as governing council approves player auction for PSL 2026

PSL approves player auction [Source: @CallMeSheri1_/X.com]

The PSL has taken a major step ahead of its 11th season by giving the green light to a player auction system, as reported by Geo TV. The decision was taken during a late-night meeting of the PSL Governing Council’s Working Committee, held to finalise key matters for the upcoming season.

The final approval will be given by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who may also call a full Governing Council meeting if needed. An official announcement is expected within the next one or two days.

5 franchises give the green light to the PSL auction

According to reports, five franchises voted in favour of introducing a full auction, while two teams preferred continuing with the traditional draft system. 

Despite differences of opinion, the majority supported change, and the auction model has now been approved in principle. 

It is also said that Lahore Qalandars, Quetta Gladiators, Islamabad United, Karachi Kings and Hyderabad backed the auction system. Meanwhile, Peshawar Zalmi and the Sialkot franchise supported the draft model. 

As per the proposed plan, existing franchises will be allowed to retain up to four players each, with one player from a lower category permitted to be named as a brand ambassador. The remaining players will enter the auction pool.

The two new franchises, Hyderabad and Sialkot, will select their squads mainly through the auction, although reports say both have pushed for zero player retentions to ensure a wider and fairer player pool.

PSL considers a hybrid ‘drauction’ model 

While the auction has been approved, discussions are still ongoing around a possible hybrid system, informally termed a “drauction”, a mix of draft and auction.

The idea was discussed during recent PSL Governing Council meetings, but no final consensus was reached. 

A working group has been formed to iron out remaining issues, including how retentions should be balanced so that new teams are not placed at a disadvantage.

The PCB has stressed that the expansion from six to eight teams makes it necessary to rethink player recruitment rules. 

With more teams competing for top talent, the league is keen to avoid imbalance while protecting the interests of existing franchises. 

The final structure, whether a full auction or a limited hybrid model, will be submitted to the PCB chairman for approval.

Naqvi pushes for a higher salary cap and equal opportunity

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has also urged franchises to increase the players’ salary cap, pointing to the sharp rise in franchise valuations. 

The new Hyderabad and Sialkot teams were sold for Rs1.75 billion and Rs1.85 billion. Naqvi believes an auction system will benefit players by allowing them to earn closer to their market value. 

He has also stressed that the two new teams must be given equal opportunity to build competitive squads. 

PSL 11 will begin on March 26, marking a new era for the league as it enters its first eight-team season. With major structural changes now underway, PSL is set for one of its most important seasons yet.