Multan Sultans to Enter PSL 11 Auction With Zero Player Retentions
Multan Sultans have taken a bold and unexpected step ahead of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 11 by deciding not to retain a single player from their previous squad. The decision comes before the historic PSL 11 Players Auction, scheduled for February 11, which will introduce an auction-based player recruitment system for the very first time in PSL history.
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| Multan Sultans logo ahead of PSL 11 auction with zero player retentions |
This move has surprised fans and cricket experts alike, especially considering Multan Sultans have been one of the most consistent teams in recent PSL seasons. However, with new rules, changing ownership dynamics, and a fresh auction model, the franchise appears ready to rebuild from scratch.
PSL 11 Introduces Historic Auction System
PSL 11 will mark a major turning point for the league. For the first ten seasons, teams selected players through a draft system, where franchises were allowed to retain up to eight players before the draft began.
Under the newly introduced PSL 11 regulations, the draft system has been replaced with a full auction model, similar to leagues like the IPL. As part of these new rules, franchises were allowed to retain a maximum of four players, and that too across different player categories.
These changes forced teams into difficult decisions, and Multan Sultans chose the most aggressive route — entering the auction without retaining any player at all.
Multan Sultans’ Player Pool for PSL 11 Auction
Before announcing zero retentions, Multan Sultans had 18 players placed in different categories for the auction pool. The list included several high-profile and match-winning players.
Platinum Category
Mohammad Rizwan (Captain)
Diamond Category
- Usama Mir
- Iftikhar Ahmed
- Usman Khan
- Gold Category
- Kamran Ghulam
- Mohammad Hasnain
- Faisal Akram
- Akif Javed
- Tayyab Tahir
- Yasir Khan
- Amir Barki
- Mohammad Junaid
- Humayun Altaf
- Ali Imran
- Jahanzaib Sultan
- Ubaid Shah
- Shahid Aziz
- Mohammad Zulfikar
Despite having strong retention options, including national captain Mohammad Rizwan, the franchise decided not to lock in any player
Official Confirmation: Zero Retentions, Full Purse
Multan Sultans officially confirmed their decision through their verified account on X (formerly Twitter). The franchise revealed that it will head into the auction with a full USD 1.6 million purse, giving them maximum financial flexibility.
“Multan Sultans will enter the PSL Players Auction with zero retentions and a full USD 1.6 million in the purse,” the franchise stated.
This means Multan will have the freedom to bid aggressively for both local and overseas stars during the auction.
Why Did Multan Sultans Choose Zero Retentions?
Several factors may have influenced this decision:
1. New Auction Strategy
The auction model rewards teams that plan smartly rather than relying on past combinations. Starting fresh allows Multan to build a balanced squad based on current form and conditions.
2. Ownership Uncertainty
It is important to note that Multan Sultans currently do not have an owner. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is expected to auction the franchise’s ownership rights soon, although no official date has been announced yet.
This uncertainty may have played a key role in avoiding long-term commitments to players before ownership clarity.
3. Financial Freedom
With the full purse intact, Multan Sultans can target premium players across all categories without restriction, something many other franchises may struggle with due to retained salaries.
Risks and Rewards of Starting From Scratch
Entering the auction with zero retentions is a high-risk, high-reward strategy.
Potential Advantages:
- Full control over squad composition
- Ability to target in-form players
- Flexibility to invest in overseas stars
- Fresh team culture and leadership options
- Loss of team continuity
- Pressure to find a strong captain
- Fan backlash due to release of star players
- Auction-day competition driving prices up
What This Means for PSL 11
Multan Sultans’ decision has added extra excitement to the PSL 11 auction. Fans will be keen to see whether the franchise attempts to buy back former players like Mohammad Rizwan or goes in a completely new direction.
This move could also influence other teams in future seasons, especially if Multan’s fresh-start strategy pays off.
Also read:Broadcast details announced for Pakistan v Australia T20I series
FAQs – Multan Sultans & PSL 11 Auction
Q1: Why did Multan Sultans retain zero players for PSL 11?
Multan opted for a complete rebuild due to the new auction system, financial flexibility, and ongoing ownership uncertainty.
Q2: When is the PSL 11 players auction?
The PSL 11 Players Auction is scheduled for February 11.
Q3: How much budget will Multan Sultans have in the auction?
Multan Sultans will enter the auction with a full USD 1.6 million purse.
Q4: Is Mohammad Rizwan retained by Multan Sultans?
No, Mohammad Rizwan has not been retained and will be available in the Platinum category during the auction.
Q5: Who currently owns Multan Sultans?
At present, Multan Sultans are without an owner. The PCB is expected to auction the franchise’s ownership rights soon.
Final Thoughts
Multan Sultans’ decision to enter the PSL 11 auction with zero retentions is one of the most dramatic moves in league history. With a full purse, a clean slate, and a brand-new auction system, the franchise has a golden opportunity — but also immense pressure — to get it right.
All eyes will now be on February 11 to see how Multan Sultans shape their new squad and whether this bold gamble sets a new trend in the Pakistan Super League.
Also read:New PSL Team Confirms Coaching Staff
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