The Pakistan Super League (PSL) is set to introduce a player auction for its 11th edition, according to sources close to the PSL Governing Council.
Sources said the PSL Governing Council’s working committee held a late-night meeting where key decisions regarding the auction draft and player retentions were finalized. The committee agreed to implement a player auction system for PSL 11, marking a significant change in how teams will acquire players.
Decisions regarding player retention for PSL 11 have also been made. Sources noted that the defending champions, Lahore Qalandars, voted in favor of the auction, alongside Quetta Gladiators, Islamabad United, Karachi Kings, and Hyderabad.
According to the sources, the five existing franchises agreed on retaining four players each, with one of them designated as a brand ambassador. Each retention category will have one player, and a player can be moved to a lower category and assigned the role of brand ambassador.
Sources said new franchises will select their players from the remaining player pool through the auction system. The remaining players will be available in the general pool, and franchises can pick them during the auction.
Two new franchises reportedly pushed for zero retentions. The working committee’s decisions are expected to receive final approval from PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who may call a full Governing Council meeting if necessary.
The final auction and retention formula will be shared with Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, with an official announcement expected within the next day or two.
