Will PSL 11 get a player draft or an auction?

The upcoming edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) is slated to start on March 26. However, the debate over whether the league will persist with a player draft is nowhere near ending. 

All options under consideration

League CEO Salman Naseer revealed that the management is mulling over several options, including an auction, for this season.

“Consultations were ongoing with the five existing franchises, and we were waiting for the two new franchises to join us. After that, we wanted to take a consultative decision on whether we should move towards a draft, an auction, or a mix of both," Naseer said.

The delay in making the decision, according to the CEO, was due to the teams’ auction. Such decisions could not have been made without the two new franchises, which became part of the league on January 8.

"All these discussions have now taken place. Now we have to sit down with the two new franchises and make a final decision. After consultations, we will announce the direction we are heading in," he added.

Auction vs Player draft

Unlike player drafts, where all franchises choose a player in turn order, an auction allows the team with the highest bid to get the player.

It is also being reported that three franchises, including Karachi Kings, Quetta Gladiators, and Islamabad United, are calling for an auction to replace the traditional player draft that has been a part of the league since its inception. However, the franchises remain uncertain about what decision will ultimately be made by the management.  

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