Pakistan Super League to Adopt IPL-Style Auction, End Draft System for 11th Edition

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a major revamp of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), confirming that the league will switch from its traditional draft system to an IPL-style player auction ahead of the 11th edition. The change ends the draft format used since the PSL’s inception in 2016.

The auction system is aimed at enhancing transparency, creating a more competitive balance among franchises, and providing players with greater earning opportunities. In line with the reforms, the PCB has increased the franchise purse from USD 1.3 million to USD 1.6 million for the auction.

PSL Chief Executive Salman Naseer said the changes were designed to strengthen the league’s long-term growth. “The transition to a players auction system should increase transparency and enhance team competitiveness,” he stated.

Under the new structure, franchises can retain a maximum of four players, with only one retention allowed per category. Mentor, brand ambassador, and Right to Match (RTM) provisions have been scrapped. Additionally, the two new franchises, Hyderabad and Sialkot, can select four players each from the pool before the auction. Franchises can also make one direct signing of a foreign player who did not feature in PSL 10.

The 11th edition of the PSL is scheduled to begin on March 26, with Faisalabad added as a new host venue for the tournament.