The ongoing 2026 Pakistan Super League (PSL 11) player auction in Lahore’s Expo Centre saw a major early deal as all-rounder Faheem Ashraf was snapped up by Islamabad United for Rs. 8.5 crore.
This year’s auction marks the first time in PSL history that player recruitment is being conducted through an open auction instead of the traditional draft system, a move that coincides with the league’s expansion from six to eight teams.
Teams including Islamabad United, Lahore Qalandars, Karachi Kings, Peshawar Zalmi, Quetta Gladiators, Rawalpindi, Sialkot Stallionz and Hyderabad Houston Kingsmen are competing to complete their squads for the upcoming season.
Faheem Ashraf, a seasoned Pakistan international known for his medium-pace bowling and lower-order hitting, was among the top names in the Platinum category going under the hammer at the Expo Centre. In recent years, he has been a mainstay in various PSL campaigns and has gained attention for his versatile T20 skill set.
Islamabad United had already confirmed several retained players prior to the auction, but adding Ashraf at a premium price highlights how bidding dynamics have changed under the new auction format.
The PSL 11 player auction, a landmark with over 880 local and overseas cricketers registered for selection, requires teams to field squads of 16 to 20 players. Rules mandate inclusion of five to seven overseas players and a minimum of two uncapped Under-23 players in each squad, with at least one under-23 member in the playing XI.
Live bidding continues throughout the day as franchises battle to secure top talent ahead of the March 26 to May 3 season, with fan interest peaking as marquee players such as Ashraf attract significant attention in the league’s most competitive auction yet.