Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi has proposed introducing a player auction for PSL 11, urging franchise owners to increase player remuneration, according to sources.
The proposal was discussed during a PSL Governing Council meeting held at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore on Friday, which was attended by representatives from all eight franchises as well as PCB and PSL officials.
Naqvi suggested that players be auctioned like team selections, highlighting that as the market value of franchises has grown, players’ payments should also be revised upward. He emphasized that the two new teams, Sialkot and Hyderabad, should be given equal opportunities to select players to ensure a fair and competitive balance in the league.
In addition to the auction discussion, the council reviewed player retention policies for existing teams. There is also consideration of adopting a hybrid system combining an auction and draft, referred to as a “drauction,” alongside the possibility of allowing direct player signings.
The meeting began with a warm welcome to the new franchise owners and praise for the successful conduct of the New Teams Auction, which was highlighted as a milestone in PSL’s continued growth. Extensive deliberations also covered the PSL 11 schedule, the player retention mechanism, and other operational and regulatory matters to ensure smooth execution of the upcoming season.
PSL 11 is set to commence on Thursday, March 26, marking the league’s major expansion from six to eight teams with the addition of the Sialkot and Hyderabad franchises. A working group was formed during the meeting to further examine agenda items, and the Governing Council will reconvene as necessary based on their recommendations.
The discussions reflect PCB’s focus on enhancing league competitiveness, fairness, and player welfare while accommodating the growth of the PSL and maintaining engagement with franchise owners and stakeholders.
