The Pakistan Super League (PSL) has announced sweeping structural changes ahead of its 11th edition, marking one of the most significant overhauls in the tournament’s history since its inception.
In a landmark decision, the league will shift from its traditional player draft system to a player auction model for PSL 2026. According to an official PSL statement, this move is intended to promote greater competitiveness, transparency, and improved financial opportunities for players.
Under the new framework, franchises will now be allowed to retain a maximum of four players, with only one retention permitted from each category. This represents a major departure from previous rules, which allowed teams to retain up to eight players, along with provisions for a mentor, brand ambassador, and a Right to Match (RTM) option for a ninth player.
The PSL confirmed that regulations related to mentors, brand ambassadors, and RTM have been scrapped entirely for the upcoming season.
New franchises entering the league will be granted the opportunity to pre-select and retain four players from the available player pool before the auction process begins.
Additionally, each team will be permitted one direct signing of a foreign player who did not participate in PSL 10, allowing franchises to bring in fresh international talent outside the auction.
In another major development, the salary purse for each franchise has been increased to USD 1.6 million, a move aimed at attracting top-tier domestic and international players while rewarding high performance.
“The reforms reflect the league’s evolving vision while staying committed to promoting cricketing excellence, fan engagement, and global competitiveness,” the PSL statement noted.
PSL 11 is scheduled to begin on March 26, 2026, with Faisalabad added as a new host city, expanding the tournament’s reach across Pakistan.
The league said further details regarding the auction format, dates, and operational guidelines will be announced in the coming weeks.
