The Pakistan Super League (PSL) has announced details for the Player Auction Model ahead of PSL 11, confirming a shift in how squads will be built and how players will be retained as the league prepares to return in March 2026.
In a major change after a decade of using the traditional draft format, the PSL will adopt a Player Auction Model for PSL 11, replacing the Player Draft system. The league says the move is aimed at improving competitive balance, increasing transparency in team building, and creating stronger earning opportunities for players.
Under the revised framework, franchises will be allowed to retain a maximum of four players, with only one retention allowed per category.
This marks a departure from previous seasons, where teams could retain as many as eight players, along with additional provisions linked to mentors, brand ambassadors, and a Right to Match (RTM) mechanism.
For PSL 11, the PSL has confirmed that Mentor, Brand Ambassador, and RTM rules have been removed.
The league has also outlined a separate pathway for any newly inducted franchises, stating that new teams will be permitted to select and retain four players from the available player pool before the auction.
In another key provision, each franchise will also be allowed one direct signing of an overseas player, provided that player did not feature in PSL 10. The idea is to give teams a chance to add fresh international talent outside the auction pool.
To strengthen the league’s commercial and competitive outlook, the PSL has increased the player salary purse to $1.6 million per franchise, a move expected to help attract top local performers and high-profile overseas cricketers.
The PSL has confirmed that PSL 11 will start on March 26, 2026. It has also added Faisalabad as an additional venue. The league said further details regarding the auction process, schedule, and operational guidelines will be shared in due course.
