Lahore gears up for historic PSL player auction as retention rules set

LAHORE: The Pakistan Super League (PSL) is set for a landmark moment as the league prepares to hold its first-ever player auction, insiders confirmed following a late-night session of the PSL Working Group.

Sources say key decisions were finalised regarding player retention for PSL 11, with Working Group 4 reportedly reaching consensus on the retention framework. The plan allows each team to retain four players, one in each category, with the option to move a player to a lower category and designate them as a brand ambassador.

The initiative has received broad backing from most franchises, including Lahore Qalandars, Quetta Gladiators, Islamabad United, Karachi Kings, and Hyderabad, who voted in favor of the auction. Meanwhile, Peshawar Zalmi and Sialkot reportedly supported a draw-based approach.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi is expected to give the final approval for these decisions. If required, a meeting of the PSL Governing Council may also be convened to ratify the plans.

New franchises will be able to pick players from the remaining pool following the same selection process, ensuring an equitable distribution of talent across the league.

This historic move is expected to bring an added layer of excitement for fans as franchises gear up to make strategic moves ahead of PSL 11.