Player auction likely to be introduced in PSL

It is understood that the Pakistan Super League (PSL) has reached a consensus on the player acquisition model, with the auction expected to be adopted by the league. 

Auction replacing Player draft

PSL has followed a player draft system since its inception, but with the addition of two new teams, the existing rules around player retention and drafts were no longer seen as providing a level playing field. In addition, a majority of franchises had been calling for an auction to replace the draft for a while now.

As per sources, the decision was taken during the PSL Governing Council meeting on Saturday, which included representatives from all eight franchises and the PCB. The auction is believed to be arranged after the Multan Sultans are sold. 

For context, the PCB had decided to run the Sultans in-house this edition before auctioning the franchise ahead of the next. However, following the record-breaking sale of two new franchises, namely Hyderabad and Sialkot, the PCB reversed its decision.

Player retentions

In addition, it is being reported that only three players per team will be allowed to be retained. This move is believed to be aimed at ensuring the new franchises have access to a richer pool of players to choose from.

Earlier, the PCB confirmed March 26 as the start date for the PSL, which is still more than two months away. However, with the PCB required to sell a franchise as well as overhaul a model that has stood for a decade, the timeline increasingly appears to be a race against time.

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