PSL Overhauls Player Recruitment With Shift to Auction System

In a historic reform, the Pakistan Super League will now adopt an auction-based system for player recruitment, ending the draft method that had been in place since the league’s launch nearly ten years ago. 

The decision follows months of deliberation between franchise owners and league officials, with both sides acknowledging that the existing framework was no longer suitable for the league’s future direction.

The Pakistan Cricket Board confirmed the decision in an official statement, explaining that the new system is intended to promote "enhancing competitive balance, increasing transparency, and providing players' greater earning opportunities".

Retention Rules Revised After League Expansion

Alongside the auction model, the PSL has also introduced major changes to its player retention policy. Previously, each franchise could retain up to eight players from the previous season. However, this approach became problematic after the league expanded to include Hyderabad and Sialkot.

Discussions during the general council meeting reportedly grew tense, with existing franchises seeking to retain most of their top players while the new teams pushed for access to a stronger talent pool.

As a compromise, the league has reduced retention to four players per team, with only one player allowed from each category. This means franchises cannot retain multiple players from the same tier, such as the Platinum category. Player categorization has yet to be finalized.

New Teams Given Early Access to Talent

Players not retained by existing teams will enter a common pool, from which Hyderabad and Sialkot will be allowed to sign four players each before the PSL auction begins. This move ensures parity across all franchises. However, the selection method for these early signings has not yet been confirmed.

Each franchise will also be permitted one direct signing outside the auction. This applies only to players who did not feature in the previous PSL season. Team salary caps have been increased to USD 1.6 million, up from approximately USD 1.1 million.

Auction Timeline and Ownership Questions Remain

The upcoming auction represents the most dramatic overhaul in PSL recruitment history and is expected to trigger widespread player movement. While resistance to these changes existed earlier, the league has now finalized its direction.

The auction date is still unannounced, and questions remain regarding the ownership of Multan Sultans. The PCB confirmed that technical bids must be submitted by 30 January.