PSL Moves Away From Draft After 10 Years, Introduces IPL-Inspired Auction

For a decade, the PSL was unique because it utilised a draft system and tight central control; that concept has now been junked. Starting from PSL 11, a full player auction - just like the IPL has done since 2008 - will be employed.

Though most the franchise leagues in the world use a draft system to sign players, PSL has moved backwards to the old auction system-which is basically synonymous with the BCCI-backed IPL. The decision was taken after a meeting between PSL franchises and PCB chief executive Salman Naseer with chairman Mohsin Naqvi pushing hard for the change.

The idea has been accepted by the majority of the team owners. Soon after Naqvi gives his nod to the agreement, the system of auction will replace the draft system that has been used for the past ten years to form the teams. The workshop for the team owners will be held on Sunday to make them acquainted with the details. The issue left pending is the issue of retentions. The original five want to retain four players each and their respective brand ambassadors. The other two want all retentions to be zero.

PSL switches from draft to IPL-style auction from Season 11

The same problem presented itself in the IPL too when two new teams in Gujarat Titans and Lucknow Super Giants joined the bandwagon in 2022. Then, they were allowed to sign three players before the mega auction but only after the other eight teams announced their retentions. PCB, meanwhile, have tried to offer a middle path of three retentions per side, but the debate remains open.

The new season will come with a salary cap of USD 1.6 million (approximately INR 14.45 crores) for every team. As reported, a franchise is allowed a maximum of four players, with a limit of only one in every category, in addition to the revocation of previous regulations regarding mentors, brand ambassadors, and the Right To Match cards.

Teams would also be given the right to sign one foreign player DIRECT, who did not play in PSL 10. The likely starting time for PSL 11 is March 26, the same day as IPL 2026. As a result, many players, who would otherwise not be selected in the IPL, would likely be seen in Pakistan. Faisalabad would be the new venue, and two new teams have been sold for ₹115 crore.

PSL franchises

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