Lahore — In a landmark move aimed at reshaping Pakistan’s premier T20 league, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced major structural reforms for the 11th edition of the HBL Pakistan Super League, replacing the long-standing draft system with a player auction model for the first time in the league’s history.
The PCB said the transition to an auction-based system is designed to enhance transparency, competitiveness and commercial value, while offering players greater earning potential and franchises increased flexibility in squad building. The move marks a significant shift from the format that has been in place since the PSL’s launch in 2016.
– Under the new framework, each franchise will be allowed to retain a maximum of four players, with only one player permitted per category ahead of the auction. This is a major reduction from previous seasons, where teams could retain up to eight players along with additional mechanisms such as the Right to Match (RTM) card, mentor slots and brand ambassador signings — all of which have now been abolished.
Another notable reform is the introduction of a direct signing option, enabling each franchise to sign one foreign player who did not feature in the previous PSL edition. The PCB believes this provision will allow teams to inject fresh international talent into their squads and broaden the league’s global appeal.
To further strengthen the competition, the PCB has also increased the player salary purse to $1.6 million per franchise, a move expected to attract higher-quality domestic and overseas players and encourage more aggressive bidding during the auction process. Officials say the enhanced purse reflects the league’s growing stature and commercial success.
The board has confirmed that HBL PSL 11 will begin on March 26, 2026, with Faisalabad added as an additional host city, expanding the tournament’s geographical reach and bringing top-tier cricket to more fans across the country.
Cricket analysts and stakeholders have largely welcomed the reforms, viewing the auction model as a sign of the PSL’s evolution and maturity. By aligning its player recruitment system more closely with leading global leagues, the PCB aims to elevate the PSL’s profile, attract new sponsors, and further strengthen its position in the international T20 landscape.
Further details regarding the auction process, timelines and operational rules are expected to be announced in the coming weeks as anticipation builds for what is being described as a new era for the Pakistan Super League.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.