Karachi — David Warner has been signed by Karachi Kings for PKR 7.90 crore in the PSL 11 auction, marking one of the headline deals as the Pakistan Super League adopted an auction format for the first time.
The high-profile acquisition strengthens Karachi Kings’ top order ahead of the upcoming season and reflects the competitive bidding witnessed during the league’s shift from a draft-based system to an open auction model.
First-ever PSL auction sees aggressive bidding
PSL 11 features 261 shortlisted players selected from more than 800 registrants, with eight franchises operating within a purse range of PKR 45 crore to PKR 50.5 crore. The available budget for each team was adjusted after accounting for pre-auction retentions.
Warner’s signing was among several major early moves, as franchises targeted experienced international players and established domestic performers to build balanced squads for the March tournament.
Other key signings
The auction also saw significant deals across teams:
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Naseem Shah joined Team Rawalpindi for PKR 8.65 crore.
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Faheem Ashraf was picked by Islamabad United for PKR 8.5 crore.
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Haris Rauf remained with Lahore Qalandars for PKR 7.6 crore.
Pre-auction retentions also played a key role, with Babar Azam continuing with Peshawar Zalmi and Shaheen Shah Afridi remaining a central figure for Lahore Qalandars.
New format signals strategic shift
The move to an auction system introduces greater transparency and flexibility in player acquisition, allowing franchises to actively compete for marquee names based on financial planning and tactical priorities.
With squads now taking shape and major signings confirmed, PSL 11 is expected to begin in March, marking a new era in team-building strategy for Pakistan’s premier T20 competition.
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