PSL 11 Player Auction Model Explained: Full Details, Retentions, Salary Cap & Key Changes
The Pakistan Super League (PSL) has officially revealed complete details of its new Player Auction Model ahead of PSL 11, marking one of the biggest structural changes in the league’s history. After nearly a decade of following a draft-based recruitment system, the PSL is now shifting to a full auction format, fundamentally changing how teams are built and how players are retained.
This transition comes as the league prepares to return in March 2026, with expansion, new venues, and revised financial structures shaping what officials have described as a new era for PSL.
PSL Moves Away from Draft System After 10 Years
Since its inception in 2016, the Pakistan Super League relied on a player draft system, where franchises selected players category by category in a fixed order. While the system helped maintain balance, it limited bidding freedom and player valuation.
For PSL 11, the league has officially scrapped the Player Draft and introduced a Player Auction Model. According to the PSL management, the decision aims to:
- Improve competitive balance among teams
- Increase transparency in squad building
- Allow players to earn salaries closer to their market value
- Better integrate new franchises into the league
This change places PSL closer to global T20 leagues that operate with auction-based recruitment models.
New Retention Rules for PSL 11
One of the most significant changes announced is related to player retentions.
✅ Retention Limit Reduced
For PSL 11:
- Each franchise can retain a maximum of four players
- Only one player per category can be retained
This is a major shift from previous seasons, where teams could retain:
- Up to eight players
- Additional players under mentor or brand ambassador clauses
- Players protected through the Right to Match (RTM) option
Mentor, Brand Ambassador & RTM Rules Removed
In a clear effort to simplify the system, the PSL has completely removed the following provisions for PSL 11:
- Mentor rule
- Brand Ambassador category
- Right to Match (RTM) mechanism
These rules had previously allowed franchises to bypass the draft for certain players, often creating imbalance. Their removal ensures that most players enter the open auction, increasing fairness and competition.
Special Rules for New PSL Franchises
With the addition of new teams to the PSL setup, the league has also introduced a separate pathway for newly inducted franchises.
New Team Privileges:
- New franchises will be allowed to select and retain four players from the available player pool before the auction
- This step is designed to help new teams build a competitive core before entering the bidding process
PSL officials believe this approach will prevent new teams from being disadvantaged in their debut season.
One Direct Overseas Signing Allowed
Another important update for PSL 11 is the introduction of a direct overseas signing option.
Each franchise will be allowed:
- One direct signing of an overseas player
- The player must not have featured in PSL 10
This rule allows teams to bring in fresh international talent outside the auction pool, helping boost global interest and squad diversity.
Player Salary Purse Increased to $1.6 Million
To strengthen both the commercial and competitive appeal of the league, the PSL has increased the salary purse.
New Salary Cap:
- $1.6 million per franchise
This increase is expected to:
- Attract high-profile overseas cricketers
- Reward top-performing local players
- Make auctions more competitive and exciting
PSL officials believe higher purses will raise the overall quality of the league.
PSL 11 Start Date and Venues Confirmed
Alongside the auction framework, the PSL has also confirmed key logistical details:
- PSL 11 Start Date: March 26, 2026
- New Venue Added: Faisalabad (Iqbal Stadium)
The inclusion of Faisalabad expands the league’s footprint and reflects PCB’s strategy to take PSL cricket to more cities across Pakistan.
Further details regarding:
- Auction schedule
- Auction order
- Category pricing
- Operational rules
will be announced in the coming weeks.
Why PSL 11 Is a Turning Point for the League
The combination of:
- Player auction
- Reduced retentions
- Increased salary purse
- Expansion to eight teams
- New venues
makes PSL 11 one of the most transformative seasons in the league’s history.
Officials have internally described PSL 11 as a reset moment, aimed at aligning the league with modern T20 standards while protecting competitive integrity.
What Fans Should Expect Next
Cricket fans can look forward to:
- Official auction date announcement
- Final retention lists from all franchises
- Category-wise base prices
- Full PSL 11 match schedule
With most star players entering the auction pool, PSL 11 is expected to deliver drama, surprises, and blockbuster bids.
Also read:PSL Confirms New Venue for PSL 11
FAQs – PSL 11 Player Auction Model
Q1: Is the PSL draft system officially removed?
Yes, PSL 11 will use a Player Auction Model instead of a draft.
Q2: How many players can a team retain?
Each franchise can retain up to four players, one per category.
Q3: Are RTM and mentor rules still valid?
No, Mentor, Brand Ambassador, and RTM rules have been removed.
Q4: Can teams sign overseas players directly?
Yes, one overseas player can be signed directly if they did not play PSL 10.
Q5: What is the new salary purse?
Each franchise will have a salary purse of $1.6 million.
Q6: When will PSL 11 start?
PSL 11 will begin on March 26, 2026.
Also read:PSL Finally Makes Major Decision Regarding Auction or Draft
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