The Pakistan Super League (PSL) has undergone the biggest structural change in its history, moving away from the traditional player draft used since its inception in 2016 and completely adopting a **Player Auction Model** for the upcoming 11th edition (PSL 11), which will begin on March 26, 2026. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced the change on January 19, 2026, calling it a “historic step” to enhance competitive balance, transparency and players’ earning potential.
The decision comes after months of debate, in which a hybrid “drop” system was also considered, as well as tension over the addition of two new franchises: **Hyderabad** (which was sold to FKS Group for PKR 1.75 billion) and **Sialkot** (which OZ Developers bought for PKR 1.85 billion) in an auction held in early January 2026.
**Major Improvements**
– **Retention Limit**: Franchises can now retain a maximum of **four players** (earlier there were eight), with only **one player** from each salary category** (Platinum, Diamond, Gold, Silver). The rules for Mentor, Brand Ambassador and Right to Match (RTM) options have been abolished.
– **Advantage for new teams**: Hyderabad and Sialkot will select and retain **four players each** from the pool of unretained players before the main auction, to maintain parity.
– **Direct Signing**: Each team will get the opportunity to make **one direct signing** for a foreign player who did not play in PSL 2025.
– **Salary Cap Increase**: The purse per franchise has increased to **USD 1.6 million** (previously around USD 1.1 million), allowing for better competition for talent.
These changes, which were finalized after the Governing Council meeting, address the challenges posed by the expansion of the league to eight teams, while also aiming to promote player movement and market-based valuations, similar to the model of leagues like the IPL.
The date of the player auction has not been decided yet, it will be finalized after the ongoing sale of **Multan Sultans**. The PCB had initially planned to manage the Sultans themselves after previous owner Ali Tareen declined renewal, but changed its decision due to record-breaking new franchise sales. Technical bids for Multan Sultans are to be submitted by January 30, 2026.
These reforms promise to be the most player turnover in the history of the PSL, positioning the league for greater commercial growth amid the growing T20 competition.
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