PSL Introduces Player Auction, Expands Purse to $1.6 Million Ahead of 11th Edition

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The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has unveiled sweeping reforms for the Pakistan Super League (PSL), marking the most significant structural overhaul since the tournament's inception in 2016.

The board confirmed that the traditional draft model will be discontinued, with a full-fledged player auction system set to take its place from the upcoming 11th edition, scheduled to begin on March 26.

With the shift in recruitment mechanisms, the PCB has also enhanced the financial capacity of each franchise. The player purse has been increased from USD 1.3 million to USD 1.6 million, giving teams more flexibility and competitiveness during the auction.

Explaining the motivation behind these changes, PSL CEO Salman Naseer emphasized the league's commitment to transparency and long-term evolution.

"The PSL will now transition from a draft to players auction system which should increase transparency and enhance the competitive balance of teams in the league," Naseer said. He added that the revamped structure would also translate into more lucrative opportunities for players across categories.

Under the new rules, teams will now be allowed to retain a maximum of four players, with the restriction of only one retention per category. This is a notable reduction from the previous system, where franchises could retain up to eight players, including a mentor and a brand ambassador, while also holding a right-to-match card for a ninth player. The PCB confirmed that the roles of mentor and brand ambassador, along with the right-to-match option, have been abolished.

The expansion of the PSL through the addition of Hyderabad and Sialkot has also shaped the reforms. Both new franchises will be permitted to pick four players from the available pool before the auction commences. Additionally, all teams will receive the option of one direct signing of an overseas player who did not feature in PSL 10, enabling franchises to target untapped international talent.

The PCB further announced that Faisalabad has been added to the list of venues for PSL 11, marking another step in the league's continued growth and regional outreach.