The Pakistan Super League (PSL) is set to make history on Tuesday as it holds its first-ever players’ auction, marking a major shift in the league’s player recruitment system ahead of the 2026 season.
For the first time in its 11-year history, the PSL has replaced the traditional draft mechanism with an auction model. The move coincides with the expansion of the league to eight teams, following the addition of two new franchises from Hyderabad and Sialkot.
Read More: PCB announces player auctions for upcoming PSL on Feb 11
Under the new system, each franchise was allowed to retain up to four players prior to the auction — one player each from the Platinum, Diamond, Gold and Silver categories. The remaining squad slots will be filled during the auction, with teams required to assemble squads of between 16 and 20 players.
Purses loaded. Strategies ready.
Who are you backing on auction day?
Watch it LIVE on the PSL & PCB YouTube channels
🗓️ 11 February 2026 | 11:30 AM#HBLPSL | #NewEra pic.twitter.com/wPndkxQzDQ— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) February 11, 2026
Squad composition rules allow franchises to sign a minimum of five and a maximum of seven overseas players. Additionally, teams must include at least two uncapped under-23 players in their squads, with at least one required to feature in every playing XI during the tournament.
All players selected in the auction will be signed on two-year contracts. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has indicated that a larger, more comprehensive auction is planned after the 2027 edition of the PSL as part of its long-term restructuring strategy for the league.
The PSL 2026 auction is scheduled to begin at 11:30am local time. Fans will be able to watch the proceedings live on the PSL’s official YouTube channel as well as the PCB’s YouTube platform.
Read More: PSL 11 to adopt auction model for first time to boost player earnings
All franchises, except Multan Sultans, confirmed their player retentions ahead of the auction. The Multan-based franchise, which was sold earlier this month, will now operate out of Rawalpindi.
The introduction of the auction system is expected to bring greater transparency, competitiveness and global attention to the PSL as it continues to evolve as one of the world’s leading T20 leagues.