The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has finalized major player auction rules for Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 12, introducing new retention conditions and salary limits.
All eight PSL franchises unanimously approved the framework during a workshop at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
The meeting, chaired by PSL CEO Salman Naseer, finalized important decisions ahead of the January 23, 2027, player auction.
PSL 12 Teams Allowed Seven Player Retentions
Under the new regulations, each franchise can retain a maximum of seven players, including its direct signing.
However, teams retaining seven players must release one player from the highest salary category of the previous auction.
The released player will become available to other franchises during the upcoming auction.
The PCB has set January 13, 2027, as the official player retention deadline.
PSL 12 Salary Cap Increased to Rs505 Million
Each franchise will receive a standard salary cap of Rs450 million.
However, teams making a new direct signing or retaining an existing direct signing can increase their spending limit to Rs505 million.
The minimum required spending has been fixed at Rs365 million.
Direct Signing Deadline Announced
Franchises can directly sign one international star who did not participate in PSL 10 or PSL 11.
The direct signing window will close on November 23, 2026.
Meanwhile, the retention deadline has been aligned with the National T20 Silver and Gold tournaments.
This arrangement allows franchises to assess emerging domestic players before finalizing their squads.
PSL 12 Auction Scheduled for January 23
The upcoming auction will be the second in PSL history.
Salman Naseer welcomed the unanimous agreement and emphasized creating opportunities for talented domestic cricketers.
The new framework aims to strengthen competition and improve squad-building opportunities ahead of the 2027 season.
