PSL 2026 Makes History: First-Ever Player Auction Set for February 11 with PKR 450 Million Purse

The Pakistan Super League (PSL) is set to make history with its first-ever player auction scheduled for February 11, 2026. This landmark decision marks a significant departure from the draft system that has governed player acquisitions since the league's inception, signaling a new era for Pakistan's premier T20 cricket competition.

Revolutionary Changes to Player Acquisition

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed that bidding for players will be conducted entirely in Pakistani Rupees (PKR), with a structured category system designed to ensure competitive balance across all eight franchises.

The base price categories have been set as follows:

• Platinum Category: PKR 42 million
• Diamond Category: PKR 22 million
• Gold Category: PKR 11 million
• Silver Category: PKR 6 million

While the venue for this historic auction remains unannounced, the framework promises to bring unprecedented transparency to the player acquisition process.

Franchise Budgets and Squad Composition Rules

Each franchise will operate with an auction purse of PKR 450 million, which can be extended to PKR 505 million to accommodate one direct foreign player signing outside the auction process. This provision allows teams strategic flexibility in securing marquee international talent.

Squad Requirements

• Total squad size: 16-20 players
• Overseas players: 5-7 per squad
• Mandatory youth inclusion: One local player under 23 years of age who has not previously featured in the PSL
• Contract duration: Two-year deals for both retained and auctioned players

Retention Strategy and Team Building

Franchises have been permitted four retentions from their existing squads, with one retention allowed per player category (Platinum, Diamond, Gold, and Silver). The specific player placements within these categories are yet to be announced, adding an element of anticipation as teams finalize their retention strategies.

Expansion and New Franchises

The 2026 edition marks a significant expansion with Hyderabad and Sialkot joining the league as the seventh and eighth franchises. This growth has necessitated the shift to an auction model, ensuring fair player distribution across a larger pool of teams.

Multan Sultans Ownership Situation

In a parallel development, the PCB has put Multan Sultans up for auction following the departure of their previous ownership. The deadline for technical bids from potential new owners is January 30, 2026, with a franchise auction scheduled before the player auction takes place.

Leadership Perspective

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi expressed enthusiasm about the new direction, stating:

"I'm delighted that a consultative and productive session was held between the franchises, players and management today resulting in informed and strategic decisions which will pave the way for bright future for the HBL PSL."

Naqvi emphasized that the player auction model represents:

"A landmark step for the HBL PSL, offering players better financial opportunities through an increased salary purse and a transparent acquisition process, while making the league more competitive and attractive."

Stakeholder Consultation

The announcement followed an extensive workshop involving PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, PSL CEO Salman Naseer, representatives from all eight franchises, and a number of Pakistan players. This collaborative approach underscores the league's commitment to inclusive decision-making.

What This Means for PSL's Future

The transition to an auction model aligns PSL with other premier T20 leagues worldwide, potentially increasing its attractiveness to international players seeking transparent valuation of their skills. The two-year contract structure provides stability for both players and franchises while allowing for squad evolution.

With increased purses, expanded franchises, and a more transparent acquisition process, PSL 2026 is positioning itself for significant growth in the competitive landscape of global T20 cricket. The February 11 auction promises to be a watershed moment for Pakistani cricket's showpiece league.