LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi has proposed introducing a player auction for PSL 11, urging franchise owners to increase players’ remuneration in line with the league’s growing market value, sources said on Saturday.
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The proposal was floated during a meeting of the PSL Governing Council held on Friday at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Lahore, which was attended by representatives of all eight PSL franchises. Naqvi suggested adopting a system similar to team auctions, allowing players to be selected through competitive bidding.
Sources said the chairman also emphasized providing equal opportunities for the two new teams — Sialkot and Hyderabad — in acquiring players. Discussions are also expected on player retention policies for existing teams, alongside a potential hybrid model combining an auction and a draft, informally dubbed a “drauction,” which could allow a mix of auctions and direct signings.
The meeting began with a warm welcome to the new franchise owners and recognition of the successful New Teams Auction, which was hailed as a milestone in the PSL’s continued growth. Extensive deliberations covered the PSL 11 schedule, player retentions, and remuneration adjustments to reflect the league’s rising commercial value.
It was confirmed that PSL 11 will commence on Thursday, March 26, 2026, marking the first season featuring eight teams after the inclusion of Sialkot and Hyderabad. A working group was formed to further examine agenda items and will reconvene to make recommendations, after which the Governing Council will meet as needed.
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The proposed auction system signals a significant shift in player acquisition strategies, aiming to create a fair and competitive environment for both new and existing franchises while recognizing the increasing importance of players in the league’s commercial success.