PSL 11 franchises reveal retention prices ahead of auction

Peshawar Zalmi announced on Wednesday the retention prices of their four players, including star batter Babar Azam, as Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchises continued to finalize their squads ahead of the auction on February 11. 

The franchise confirmed the figures through the PSL’s official social media channels, retaining captain Babar Azam in the Platinum category for Rs 70 million.

Left-arm spinner Sufyan Moqim was retained in the Diamond category for Rs 44.8 million, while Abdul Samad was placed in the Gold category with a price tag of Rs 28 million.

Wicketkeeper-batter Saad Baig was retained as an emerging player for Rs 19.6 million.

With these retentions, Peshawar Zalmi have spent Rs 162.4 million from their total franchise budget ahead of the auction.

Under the PSL 11 auction-based model, each franchise has been allocated a total purse of Rs 450 million, along with an additional Rs 55 million reserved for direct signings.

Meanwhile, Islamabad United also announced their retained players for the upcoming season, keeping skipper Shadab Khan in the Platinum category for Rs 70 million.

Fast bowler Salman Irshad was retained in the Gold category for Rs 14 million, while Australia’s wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey was picked in the Silver category for Rs 12 million.

Islamabad United had a total budget of Rs 450 million for the auction and have so far utilised Rs 96 million on retentions, officials said.

Likewise, Karachi Kings retained pacer Hasan Ali in the Platinum category for Rs 47.6 million, while Abbas Afridi was kept in the Diamond category for Rs 30.8 million.

Middle-order batter Khushdil Shah was retained in the Gold category for Rs 33.6 million, and Saad Baig was named in the emerging category for Rs 6 million.

Similarly, Quetta Gladiators also confirmed their retention list, keeping spinner Abrar Ahmed in the Platinum category for Rs 70 million.

Usman Khan was retained in the Diamond category for Rs 50.6 million, Hasan Nawaz in the Gold category for Rs 39.2 million, while young pacer Hussain was retained in the emerging category for Rs 8.4 million.

Elsewhere, Lahore Qalandars confirm retained players' fees for PSL 11. 

Shaheen has been retained in the Platinum category with a fee of PKR 70 million, while Abdullah, who falls under the Diamond category, will earn PKR 22 million. 

Sikandar Raza, retained in the Gold category, secured PKR 28 million, whereas Mohammad Naeem, selected from the Emerging category, will receive PKR 7 million.

PSL officials said all franchises were required to inform the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) of their retention prices ahead of the auction.