PSL all set to copy IPL in THIS huge development

PSL 11 will begin on the 26th of March, marking a historic upgrade from six to eight teams.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is planning a new system for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026 season as they wish to move away from players draft system. In what can be called a landmark decision, the PCB has reportedly opted to go the Indian Premier League (IPL) route when it comes to players.

Ever since the PSL began in 2016, when the first season of the PSL took off in the UAE, the PCB has opted for a player draft system to distribute players. The Players are often divided into 3-4 categories, with a separate top tier being the icon players. There are wild-card options as well, and players can be traded between teams before the player draft happens.

However, the PSL 11 begins on the 26th of March, marking a historic upgrade from six to eight teams. The two new teams, Sialkot and Hyderabad, were sold recently in a historic auction that happened on the 8th of January, with FKS Group and OZ Developers acquiring the bid for Rs 1.75 billion and 1.85 billion, respectively.

PSL 11 to see player auction for the first time ever; copy concept of IPL

Representatives from the previous year’s winners, the Lahore Qalandars, Quetta Gladiators, Islamabad United, Karachi Kings, and Hyderabad, opted to use the suggested auction system at a late-night meeting in Lahore.  

The two new teams, Sialkot and Peshawar Zalmi, participated in what is now known as a “drauction,” which is a combination of an auction and a draft.

In the discussions, Naqvi spoke to the franchise owners and urged them to increase the payroll ceiling in light of the league’s two new teams.

“The five existing clubs have decided to retain four players in each category, and nominate one player for a second division or brand ambassador role. Both new teams, Sialkot and Hyderabad, would select players only from the general list through an auction process with no player retention rights whatsoever.

The remaining players will go for an auction, and then the franchises will select players from there. The final strategy of the auction will reach the PCB Chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, for approval in the next few days, which may lead to an urgent meeting of the governing body, if required,” a PCB source told PTI.

In addition to ensuring healthy competition, this system of mixing auctions and retainages gives teams more leeway in how they build their lineups. Industry insiders claim that this auction approach may help increase the league’s commercial appeal by boosting values and fan involvement.

The governing body’s adoption of the player auction mechanism will facilitate player selection and guarantee that this procedure is transparent to all teams as PSL 11 draws near. This sets the stage for a potentially remarkable and intense season.

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