The Pakistan Super League ushered in a new chapter with its first-ever player auction format, replacing the traditional draft system, as franchises went head-to-head in high-stakes bidding for PSL 11.
The headline moment of the opening round came when Faheem Ashraf was snapped up by Islamabad United for PKR 8.5 crore, making him one of the most expensive signings of the night. The aggressive bid signaled Islamabad’s intent to rebuild a balanced squad ahead of the March tournament.
Also Read: Moeen Ali joins Karachi Kings for PKR 6.44 crore in HBL PSL 11
Big names, bigger bids
The auction featured 261 shortlisted players from more than 800 registrants, with eight franchises operating under a purse ranging between PKR 45 crore and PKR 50.5 crore, adjusted for player retentions.
Among the early marquee signings:
-
Karachi Kings secured David Warner for PKR 7.9 crore.
-
Lahore Qalandars retained pace spearhead Haris Rauf for PKR 7.6 crore.
-
Quetta Gladiators picked up Rilee Rossouw for PKR 5.55 crore.
Pre-auction retentions also shaped team strategies, with Peshawar Zalmi holding onto Babar Azam, while Lahore Qalandars retained Shaheen Shah Afridi as a core asset.
A strategic shift for PSL
The move from draft to auction introduces a more dynamic and transparent bidding process, allowing franchises greater flexibility in squad construction. The competitive atmosphere underscored the league’s commercial growth and evolving strategy as it heads into its 11th edition.
For Islamabad United, Faheem Ashraf’s signing adds depth to both batting and bowling departments, offering versatility in middle overs and lower-order acceleration — qualities expected to be critical in T20 contests.
With squads now taking shape and marquee names locked in, PSL 11 is poised for an action-packed March, marking what league officials describe as the beginning of a new era for Pakistan’s premier T20 competition.
Today's E-Paper