PSL governing council to meet this week; player recruitment, Multan Sultans in focus

LAHORE: The Pakistan Super League (PSL) Governing Council is set to hold a key virtual meeting on January 15, with major decisions expected regarding the league’s expansion, player recruitment policies and the future of Multan Sultans.

According to sources, representatives of all eight PSL franchises will take part in the meeting, where the agenda focuses heavily on the long-term growth of the league. One of the primary items under discussion will be the possible inclusion of new teams in upcoming PSL seasons, a move that reflects the PCB’s broader vision to expand the league’s footprint.

The council will also deliberate on proposals related to direct signing of players by franchises ahead of PSL 11. In addition, changes to the current player retention policy are expected to be discussed, with franchises seeking greater flexibility ahead of future seasons. Sources say a proposal to offer special incentives and facilities to newly inducted teams during their initial season will also be reviewed.

Another key topic on the agenda is the player acquisition system, with discussions likely on refining the draft and auction model to develop a more competitive and sustainable structure for the league. The PCB is keen to formulate a long-term strategy that aligns with growing commercial and investor interest in the PSL.

Significantly, the auction of Multan Sultans will also come under discussion. The development comes after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) decided to fast-track the sale of the franchise instead of waiting until next year. Sources reveal that the decision was taken following strong investor interest during the recent auction process for the proposed Hyderabad and Sialkot franchises, where bidders also expressed keen interest in Multan Sultans.

The PCB is now expected to auction Multan Sultans before the upcoming PSL season, with an official advertisement likely to be issued in the coming days. The sale will be conducted under the same procedure adopted for the Hyderabad and Sialkot franchises, with officials hopeful that the current momentum around the league will attract competitive bids.

To ensure continuity ahead of PSL 11, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi had initially announced that the board will temporarily run Multan Sultans. While the PCB had earlier planned to auction the franchise after the season, the revised timeline signals a more aggressive commercial approach.

Meanwhile, sources indicate that the players’ draft for the upcoming season of the PSL is likely to be held on January 30.