The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Sunday announced that the players’ auction for the 11th edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) will be held on Wednesday, February 11, while also unveiling base prices and bidding increments for the upcoming auction.
The announcement followed a comprehensive consultative workshop held at Gaddafi Stadium, chaired by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and PSL Chief Executive Officer Salman Naseer. The session was attended by representatives of all eight PSL franchises, PSL officials, members of Pakistan’s T20 World Cup squad, PCB officials, and several capped players.
Leading performers from previous PSL seasons, including top run-scorers Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman and leading wicket-takers Hasan Ali and Shaheen Shah Afridi, were also present.
During the workshop, PSL management presented a detailed briefing on the retention and auction process, engaging franchises and players in discussions to ensure transparency and collaboration.
The PCB confirmed that base prices for players have been set at Rs42 million, Rs22 million, Rs11 million and Rs6 million, providing franchises with a structured framework for valuations. Minimum bid increments were also announced: Rs250,000 for bids below Rs11 million, Rs500,000 for bids below Rs22 million, Rs1 million for bids below Rs42 million, and Rs1.5 million for bids exceeding Rs42 million. Franchises will be permitted to bid above the minimum increments.
Each PSL squad will consist of 16 to 20 players, including five to seven foreign players depending on squad size, while three to four overseas players must feature in the playing XI. A minimum of two uncapped Under-23 players must be included in each squad, with at least one required to play in the XI.
Players retained or drafted in PSL 11 will sign two-year contracts with their respective franchises. Teams will be allowed to retain up to seven players for PSL 12, followed by a grand auction in which a maximum of five players can be retained. Any released players will return to the auction pool.
Franchises will also be permitted to directly sign one foreign player who did not participate in PSL 10. The team purse of Rs450 million may be increased to Rs505 million to facilitate such signings, with PCB support available for elite overseas players.
Addressing the session, Chairman Mohsin Naqvi emphasised the value of collaborative planning in shaping the future of the league.
“Today’s consultative session brought together franchises, players and management to make strategic decisions that will shape a bright future for the PSL. The player auction model offers players better financial opportunities and makes the league more competitive and transparent,” he said.
PSL CEO Salman Naseer described the shift to the auction system as the beginning of a new era for the league, saying it would modernise recruitment, promote fairness and enhance the PSL’s overall appeal.
“The PSL’s new era is here. The auction system modernises recruitment, promotes fairness and enhances the league’s appeal for players, franchises and fans. The feedback from today’s workshop will guide a successful auction next month, with more excitement to come,” Naseer said.
