PSL 2026 player auction model revealed;  new rules for retentions and direct signings

PSL player auction model announced [Source: AFP]

In a major change, the Pakistan Super League (PSL) will move from its traditional player draft system to a player auction model starting from its 11th season. This is the first time since the league began that such a change is being introduced. 

Notably , the new system is aimed at making the league more competitive, transparent, and financially attractive for both players and franchises.

Under the auction model, franchises will now be allowed to retain a maximum of four players. However, there is an important condition: only one player can be retained from each category. 

Earlier, teams could retain up to eight players, along with special options such as mentors, brand ambassadors, and the Right to Match (RTM) card. 

All these provisions have now been removed for PSL 11 to simplify the process and ensure fairness.

New rules for direct signings

Another key change is related to new teams joining the league. Newly inducted franchises will also be allowed to pick and retain four players from the available pool before the player auction begins. This will help them build a competitive base squad.

In addition, each franchise will be allowed one direct signing of a foreign player who did not play in PSL 10. This move is expected to bring fresh international talent into the league and increase its global appeal. At the same time, it gives teams more flexibility to strengthen their squads strategically.

Increased salary purse for PSL franchises

To further boost the league’s commercial value, the player salary purse has been increased to USD 1.6 million per franchise. This increase will not only help franchises attract top-quality players but will also benefit cricketers financially. 

Earlier, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi strongly supported the open auction model, stating that it would be highly beneficial for players.

Two new teams join PSL 11

It is important to note that from PSL 11 onwards, the league will expand to eight teams. Two new franchises, Hyderabad and Sialkot, will join as the seventh and eighth teams. 

A real estate consortium and a US-based aviation and healthcare group won the bids for these teams for a combined total of $12.75 million. OZ Developers bought the Sialkot franchise for Rs 1.85 billion, while the FKS Group secured Hyderabad for Rs 1.75 billion.

Meanwhile, Multan Sultans will be run by the Pakistan Cricket Board for this season and will be put up for sale after the league ends in April.

Notably, PSL 11 is scheduled to begin on March 26, 2026, and will run until May 3, 2026. This season will clash with the Indian Premier League (IPL) and will be the longest PSL season so far, lasting 39 playing days. Faisalabad has also been added as a new venue, marking its return to top-level cricket.

Although the detailed schedule is yet to be announced, further information regarding the player auction process and operational guidelines will be shared soon.