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PSL Ditches Draft for Auctions in Major 2026 Revamp

The Pakistan Super League will replace its traditional player draft with an auction model starting from its 11th season in 2026. Each franchise can now retain a maximum of four players, a significant reduction from the previous system, and the rules for mentors and brand ambassadors have been removed. The player salary purse has been increased to USD 1.6 million, and teams will be allowed one direct signing of a foreign player not featured in the previous season. The PCB states these changes aim to enhance competitive balance, transparency, and player earnings.

Key Points: PSL Switches to Auction Model from 2026 Season

  • Draft replaced by auction from PSL 11
  • Max 4 player retentions per team
  • Salary purse raised to $1.6 million
  • New direct signing for foreign players
  • Faisalabad added as venue
2 min read

PSL ends draft system, switches to auction model from 2026

Pakistan Super League ends draft system, adopts player auction model from 2026 with new retention rules and increased salary purse.

"These progressive measures reflect the League's strategic trajectory and evolution - PCB"

Islamabad, Jan 19

Pakistan Super League will transition to a Player Auction Model, replacing the traditional Player Draft system, from the 11th season, Pakistan Cricket Board said on Monday.

The Pakistan Super League has announced a series of landmark developments ahead of its 11th edition, reinforcing the League's continued growth, competitiveness, and commitment to innovation. This strategic shift is aimed at enhancing competitive balance, increasing transparency, and providing players' greater earning opportunities, PCB said in a statement.

According to the new rules, each franchise may retain a maximum of four players, limited to one player per category. Previously, every franchise was allowed to retain eight players from their squad including a mentor, a brand ambassador and a Right to Match Option (RTN) to retain a ninth player in the Player Draft.

The rules pertaining to mentors, brand ambassadors and RTM have been removed for PSL 11. Newly inducted teams will be allowed to select and retain four players from the available player pool before the Player Auction.

Each franchise will also be allowed one direct signing of a foreign player who did not feature in PSL 10, enabling teams to strategically strengthen their squads with fresh international talent.

Moreover, the player salary purse has been increased to USD 1.6 million per franchise. "These progressive measures reflect the League's strategic trajectory and evolution, while remaining firmly rooted in its mission to promote cricketing excellence, fan engagement, and attaining unprecedented heights," PCB said.

It added that additional details regarding the player auction process, schedule, and operational guidelines would be shared in due course.

PSL 11 will commence on March 26 and Faisalabad has been added as an additional venue for hosting the league's matches.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
As a cricket fan, I love the auction format! It's so much more engaging to watch than a draft. Teams have to be really strategic now with only 4 retentions. Will be interesting to see which Pakistani stars become the most expensive buys. Hope this brings more competitiveness to the league.
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Aman W
Copying the IPL model, I see. Well, if it works, why not? The key will be transparency in the process. Removing the mentor and brand ambassador slots makes sense – keeps the focus on cricket. Hope the players, especially the domestic ones, get a fair shake and better pay.
S
Sarah B
While the auction is exciting, I have a respectful criticism. The draft system had a certain charm and allowed for more squad continuity. With only 4 retentions, team identities might get diluted every few years. Fans connect with core players. Hope they find the right balance.
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Vikram M
Good to see Faisalabad getting matches! Developing cricket infrastructure across more cities is crucial. The direct signing of a new foreign player is a clever rule – lets teams bring in someone unexpected. Overall, these seem like positive, forward-thinking changes for PSL.
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Karthik V
The increased salary cap is the biggest news here. Pakistani players deserve to earn more, especially with the talent they have. An auction will truly test a player's market value. Let's see if this helps PSL close the financial gap with other major leagues. Best of luck to them!

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