PSL likely to introduce direct signings for upcoming edition

Pakistan Super League (PSL) is reportedly mulling over the introduction of direct player signings for its 2026 edition. However, the idea of scrapping the player draft system in favour of a full-scale auction is unlikely to get the nod.

Direct signings likely, auction model rejected

Sources have confirmed that some franchises pushed for the introduction of an IPL-style auction system for the upcoming edition, arguing that it would help teams to attract bigger players. However, the league management has rejected the idea, citing that an auction could disrupt the competitive balance of the league by unfairly favouring certain franchises.

As for direct signings, the PSL management had discussed the option in the last season as well. However, at the time, due to scheduling clashes between the Indian Premier League (IPL) and PSL, franchises raised concerns over the availability of marquee players, leading to the proposal getting shelved.

 

This time, if approved, the league plans to create a separate pool consisting of high-profile players. Each team would be allowed to directly sign up to two players from this pool ahead of the PSL draft.

These signings would not be subject to a salary cap and would be treated as part of the draft. Reportedly, franchises are already in discussion with big players, including Joe Root.

Changes in the PSL 11

In addition to this potential change, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed the addition of two new franchise teams, taking the total number of teams in the league to eight. The new franchises will be auctioned on January 8 in Islamabad.

Successful bidders will get to choose the name of the team from a list released by the PCB last month, which includes Rawalpindi, Hyderabad, Faisalabad, Gilgit, Muzaffarabad, and Sialkot. Besides that, PCB has decided to operate Multan Sultans itself this season following the board’s rift with the now ex-owner of the franchise, Ali Tareen. 

 

The 2026 season of the league will be played from March 26, 2026, to May 3, 2026, making this season the longest edition yet. There will be a gap of 17 days between the final of the T20 World Cup and the opening PSL game, though the schedule will only be released after the auction. 

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