PSL Adopts Full Auction Model for 11th Edition

The Pakistan Cricket Board announced on Monday a major overhaul of the Pakistan Super League ahead of its 11th edition, shifting from the traditional player draft system to a full auction model for the first time since the league's inception in 2016. The changes, set to take effect for the season starting March 26, aim to boost competitiveness and transparency as the league expands with two new franchises from Hyderabad and Sialkot.

Under the new framework, each of the eight franchises can retain a maximum of four players, with one from each category: platinum, diamond, gold and silver. This marks a significant reduction from the previous allowance of up to eight retentions, which included a mentor, a brand ambassador and a right-to-match option for a ninth player. The board has eliminated provisions for mentors, brand ambassadors and right-to-match cards, streamlining squad building for the auction process.

The two new teams will have the opportunity to select and retain four players each from the available pool before the auction begins. All franchises, including the newcomers, can also make one direct signing of an overseas player who did not participate in the 10th edition...