Players' auction system to be introduced in PSL

The Pakistan Super League (PSL) Governing Council’s Working Committee decided to introduce a players’ auction system alongside revisions to the retention mechanism, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Sunday.

According to details, the decision was taken during a late-night meeting of the Working Committee, where detailed discussions were held on auction drafts and player retentions for PSL 11.

The proposed framework will now be sent to PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi for final approval. If required, a full meeting of the PSL Governing Council may also be convened.

Defending champions Lahore Qalandars voted in favor of the players’ auction, while the proposal was also supported by Quetta Gladiators, Islamabad United, Karachi Kings, and Hyderabad. Meanwhile, Peshawar Zalmi and Sialkot backed the draft-auction model.

Under the proposed retention policy, five existing franchises have agreed on retaining four players each, including one designated as a brand ambassador.

Each retained player will belong to a different category, while one player may be shifted to a lower category to serve as a brand ambassador.

The new franchises will be allowed to select players from the remaining pool. Two new teams reportedly pushed for a zero-retention policy, under which all remaining players would be placed in the auction pool and picked through the auction process.

The finalized auction and retention formula will be forwarded to Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, with an official announcement expected within the next one to two days.

Reporter: Hafiz Shehbaz