Archive · 20 Jan 2026
PSL Announces Major Structural Reforms
The Pakistan Cricket Board has made big changes to the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
Starting with the 11th edition, they are switching from a draft system to a player auction system.
This change aims to make things more transparent and help teams be more balanced.
The total money available for players has also increased to USD 1.6 million.
Each team can now keep only four players, down from eight before.
New teams, Hyderabad and Sialkot, will get to pick four players before the auction.
Additionally, each team can sign one new foreign player who didn't play in the last PSL.
The league will start on March 26, and Faisalabad is a new venue for the matches.
PSL transitions from a draft to a player auction system to increase transparency and competitive balance.
Total purse for franchises increased to USD 1.6 million from USD 1.3 million.
Each franchise can retain a maximum of four players, limited to one per category.
New teams Hyderabad and Sialkot allowed to select four players before the auction.
PSL 11 scheduled to begin on March 26, with Faisalabad added as a new venue.
- Who
- Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and PSL CEO Salman Naseer
- What
- Announcement of major structural reforms in the Pakistan Super League (PSL)
- When
- January 19, with PSL 11 starting on March 26
- Where
- Pakistan, with Lahore as the primary location and Faisalabad added as a new venue
- Why
- To reinforce growth, competitiveness, and commitment to innovation in the PSL
PCB and PSL
Franchises and Players
Player Retention
PCB and PSL
The PCB has reduced the number of players that can be retained to four, with one from each category, to ensure a more balanced playing field.
Franchises and Players
Franchises may prefer more flexibility in retaining players to maintain team chemistry and performance.
Player Auction Model
PCB and PSL
The PCB believes the player auction model will provide greater earning opportunities for players and modernize the league.
Franchises and Players
Franchises and players might need time to adapt to the new system, which could initially cause uncertainty.
- Total purse increase
- USD 1.6 million
- Previous purse
- USD 1.3 million
- Maximum players retained
- 4 players
- New teams
- Hyderabad and Sialkot
- PSL 11 start date
- March 26
- New venue
- Faisalabad
