The Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 player retention deadline has officially been announced, giving franchises limited time to finalize their squad strategies ahead of the league’s first-ever auction-based season.
According to the latest update from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), each PSL team will be allowed to retain one player per category until February 3, 2026. After this deadline, all remaining players will enter the auction pool, making PSL 11 one of the most competitive seasons in league history.
PSL 11 to Feature First-Ever Player Auction
For the first time since its launch, the PSL will replace the traditional draft system with a full-scale auction model. The PSL 11 auction is scheduled to take place on February 11, 2026, marking a major shift in how teams build their squads.
This new system will allow franchises greater flexibility in bidding for top players, while also increasing competition among teams for elite talent.
Eight Teams to Compete in PSL 11
PSL 11 will be the league’s biggest edition so far, featuring eight teams instead of six. Two new franchises — Hyderabad and Sialkot — have joined the competition, expanding the tournament’s reach and fanbase.
With more teams and a new auction format, franchises are now focusing on long-term planning, squad balance, and financial management.
Key Player Categories Confirmed
Ahead of the retention deadline, the PCB has finalized player category renewals, which will play a major role in team strategies.
Platinum Category Stars
Some of the biggest names in the top category include:
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Shadab Khan (Islamabad United)
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Shaheen Shah Afridi (Lahore Qalandars)
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Babar Azam (Peshawar Zalmi)
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Mohammad Rizwan (Multan Sultans)
Diamond Category Players
Top performers in the Diamond category include:
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Abbas Afridi (Karachi Kings)
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Abdullah Shafique (Lahore Qalandars)
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Usama Mir (Multan Sultans)
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Iftikhar Ahmed (Multan Sultans)
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Saud Shakeel (Quetta Gladiators)
Gold, Silver & Emerging Categories
The Gold, Silver, and Emerging categories have also been updated, with several young and rising stars added to strengthen team depth and future talent pipelines.
Franchises Prepare Strategic Retentions
With only one retention allowed per category, franchises face tough decisions. Teams must balance star power, team chemistry, and budget limits before locking in their core players.
Experts believe most franchises will prioritize their captain or marquee player in the Platinum category, while leaving other stars for the auction.
Auction Rules and Team Budgets Explained
The PCB has already briefed franchises on auction procedures, including:
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Player base prices
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Salary caps and team budgets
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Squad size requirements
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Overseas player limits
These regulations aim to maintain competitive balance across all eight teams.
Why PSL 11 Will Be the Most Competitive Season Yet
Several factors make PSL 11 a landmark edition:
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First-ever auction system
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Expansion to eight teams
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Limited retention slots
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Fresh squad rebuilding
Together, these changes promise intense competition and unpredictable team combinations.
What Fans Can Expect
Cricket fans can look forward to:
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High-profile bidding wars
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New team rivalries
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Fresh talent exposure
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Stronger competition
The auction is expected to generate massive excitement both locally and internationally.
