Lahore, January 30, 2026: The Pakistan Super League (PSL) on Friday announced February 6 as the deadline for the league’s two new franchises to submit their player retention lists ahead of the historic player auction scheduled for February 11.
The announcement was made through the PSL’s official social media platforms, stating: “The clock is ticking. The two new [PSL] franchises must submit their retentions by 6 February 2026.”
The two new entrants — Sialkot Stallionz and Hyderabad — have been granted an extended timeline, receiving two additional days compared to the six existing franchises, which are required to finalize their retentions by February 3.
The staggered deadlines are aimed at facilitating the new teams in building a competitive core, as they will be able to directly sign players released by existing franchises. Notably, direct signings have been permitted by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for the first time since the PSL’s inception in 2016, marking a significant shift in league policy.
The development follows the PCB’s recent announcement of category renewals for 89 national cricketers currently associated with the six existing franchises.
With franchise owners of Lahore Qalandars, Karachi Kings, Islamabad United, Peshawar Zalmi, Quetta Gladiators, and Multan Sultans having renewed their contracts for another decade, the PCB has decided to constitute an independent panel to oversee the player retentions for Multan Sultans, the champions of the 2021 season.
The upcoming 11th edition of the PSL will be historic, as the league expands from six to eight teams, with Hyderabad and Sialkot Stallionz joining the competition. It will also be the first time the PSL conducts a player auction, replacing the traditional players’ draft system.
Ahead of the auction, the PCB has announced base prices and minimum bid increments in Pakistani Rupees to ensure transparency and structure in player valuations.
The base prices have been set at:
- PKR 4.2 crore
- PKR 2.2 crore
- PKR 1.1 crore
- PKR 60 lakh
Minimum bid increments are as follows:
- PKR 250,000 for bids under PKR 1.1 crore
- PKR 500,000 for bids under PKR 2.2 crore
- PKR 1,000,000 for bids under PKR 4.2 crore
- PKR 1,500,000 for bids above PKR 4.2 crore
Franchises will be free to bid above the minimum increments, setting the stage for what is expected to be a highly competitive and closely watched auction.
