PSL 11 Auction Guide 2026
PSL 11 Auction Guide 2026: The Pakistan Super League (PSL) is gearing up for its 11th season with a major player auction. Following a workshop for team owners, new rules. And financial structures have been revealed to shape how squads will be built for the 2026 tournament.
Financial Framework & Bidding Process
The auction will operate under a clear financial system to ensure competitive balance.
Player Valuation Tiers
All players will enter the auction with one of four base prices:
- Platinum Tier: ₹4.2 Crore
- Diamond Tier: ₹2.2 Crore
- Gold Tier: ₹1.1 Crore
- Silver Tier: ₹60 Lakh
Structured Bidding Increments
To maintain an orderly auction, minimum bid raises have been set:
- For bids below ₹1.1 Crore: Increase by ₹250,000
- For bids below ₹2.2 Crore: Increase by ₹500,000
- For bids below ₹4.2 Crore: Increase by ₹1,000,000
- For bids above ₹4.2 Crore: Increase by ₹1,500,000
Teams can choose to bid higher than these minimum steps.
Squad Composition Rules
Franchises must build their teams within specific guidelines that balance experience, youth, and international talent.
Team Size & International Slots
Each squad must contain 16 to 20 players. Within that roster, teams can include 5 to 7 overseas players, with larger squads permitted more foreign slots.
Focus on Young Talent
A key rule mandates investment in future stars:
- Each squad must include at least two uncapped Pakistani players under the age of 23.
- Every match-day playing eleven must feature at least one such young uncapped player.
Contracts & Long-Term Planning
The league is implementing a structured contract system to help teams plan for the future.
Two-Year Player Agreements
Players picked in the PSL 11 auction will sign two-season contracts. Securing their services for both the 2026 and 2027 tournaments.
Retention Roadmap
Looking ahead, teams will be allowed to retain up to seven players for PSL 12. After that season, a major reset will occur: a “grand auction.” Where franchises can keep only five players. Sending all others back into the auction pool.
Special Signings & Team Budgets
Franchises have additional tools to acquire top talent.
Direct Overseas Acquisition
Each team can directly sign one foreign player who did not participate in PSL 10, outside of the auction process.
Team Salary Cap
The standard budget for each franchise is set at ₹45 Crore. This purse can be increased to ₹50.5 Crore to facilitate the direct signing of a high-profile international star, with support from the league.
Conclusion
The PSL 11 auction framework sets the stage for a strategic and exciting team-building phase. With clear financial brackets, mandatory youth inclusion, and a two-year contract cycle. The rules aim to create a competitive balance while fostering long-term squad development. The focus on young Pakistani talent ensures the league continues to be a cornerstone for the nation’s cricket future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How does the “direct signing” of a foreign player work?
Each franchise is permitted to directly sign one overseas cricketer who was not part of the previous PSL season. This signing happens outside the auction and can increase the team’s total budget from ₹45 Crore to a maximum of ₹50.5 Crore.
2. What is the “grand auction” mentioned for after PSL 12?
Following PSL 12, the league will hold a major reset auction. At that point, each team will only be allowed to retain a maximum of five players from their existing squad. All other players will be released and become available for any team to bid on in the new auction.
3. Are teams forced to use the minimum bid increments during the auction?
No. The announced increments (e.g., ₹250,000 or ₹500,000) are only the minimum required raise. Franchises are free to place larger bid jumps. If they wish to outpace competitors aggressively.
