PSL 11 set for auction blockbuster in Lahore as countdown enters final hours

WEB DESK: The Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 11 auction will be held shortly at the Expo Centre in Lahore today, marking a major shift in the tournament’s player selection system.

The formal proceedings will begin at 11:30am, with the arrival of guests starting from 10:30am.

Eight franchises are taking part in the auction as they look to complete their squads for the upcoming edition of the league. Seven franchises have already retained and directly signed four players each, and are finalising the remainder of their squads through the auction.

Rawalpindi is the only franchise building its entire squad, including the captain, through the auction. The franchise, formerly known as Multan Sultans, did not retain any player ahead of the event.

For the first 10 seasons, PSL teams selected players through a draft system. PSL 11 marks the first time the league has introduced an auction system, signalling a new chapter in its evolution.

Rawalpindi franchise

On February 9, 2026, Walee secured the rights to the former Multan Sultans franchise with a record bid of around Rs2.45 billion, the highest in PSL history. The company then rebranded the team to represent Rawalpindi, signalling a major shift ahead of Season 11.

Founded in 2019, Walee Technologies operates in technology, media and financial services, specialising in digital media, marketing technology, influencer platforms, social commerce and digital advertising. It had earlier partnered with the PSL by acquiring digital streaming rights for Seasons 9 and 10, gaining valuable insight into fan engagement and online audiences.

Its takeover reflects a broader change in sports ownership, where technology and media firms are entering the cricket business. With strong roots in digital engagement, Walee is expected to focus on innovation and enhanced fan experiences alongside on-field performance.