The Pakistan Cricket Board has officially confirmed the PSL player auction time and schedule for 2026, marking a historic shift in the league’s structure. For the first time, the Pakistan Super League will conduct a full player auction, replacing the traditional draft system.
The announcement has generated massive interest among fans, franchises, and players ahead of PSL 11.
PSL 2026 Player Auction – Official Date & Time
According to the PCB notification, the PSL 2026 player auction will begin as per the following schedule:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | Wednesday, 11 February 2026 |
| Time | 11:00 AM (Pakistan Time) |
| Venue | Expo Centre, Lahore |
All proceedings will take place under PCB supervision, ensuring transparency and compliance with league rules.
Teams Participating in the PSL 11 Auction
All eight PSL franchises will take part in the auction, including new and rebranded teams:
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Lahore Qalandars
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Karachi Kings
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Islamabad United
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Peshawar Zalmi
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Quetta Gladiators
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Hyderabad Houston Kingsmen
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Sialkot Stallionz
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Rawalpindi Franchise (formerly Multan Sultans)
This will be the first auction appearance for Hyderabad and Sialkot franchises.
Total Players Registered for PSL 2026 Auction
PCB has confirmed that a total of 879 players—both local and international—have registered for the auction.
The pool includes players from:
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Pakistan
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Australia
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England
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South Africa
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New Zealand
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Afghanistan
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Sri Lanka
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West Indies
This wide participation highlights PSL’s growing global appeal.
PSL 2026 Auction Base Price Structure
The auction will be conducted entirely in Pakistani Rupees (PKR) with defined categories:
| Category | Base Price | Minimum Bid Increment |
|---|---|---|
| Platinum | Rs. 4.2 Crore | Rs. 15 Lakh |
| Diamond | Rs. 2.2 Crore | Rs. 10 Lakh |
| Gold | Rs. 1.1 Crore | Rs. 5 Lakh |
| Silver | Rs. 60 Lakh | Rs. 2.5 Lakh |
This structure ensures balanced bidding across all tiers.
Franchise Salary Purse Details
Each team will operate under a fixed salary cap:
| Purse Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Standard Team Purse | Rs. 450 million |
| Extended Purse (optional) | Rs. 505 million |
Teams opting for the extended purse can directly sign one elite overseas player who did not feature in the previous PSL season.
The Rawalpindi franchise enters the auction with a full purse, having retained zero players.
Squad Composition Rules for PSL 11
PCB has also finalized squad regulations:
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Squad size: 16 to 20 players
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Overseas players: 5 to 7 per squad
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Playing XI overseas limit: Minimum 3, maximum 4
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Under-23 requirement:
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At least two uncapped U-23 players in squad
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One U-23 player mandatory in playing XI
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These rules aim to promote youth development alongside international talent.
FAQs Fans Are Searching Right Now
When will the PSL 2026 player auction start?
The auction will start at 11:00 AM on February 11, 2026.
Where is the PSL 11 auction being held?
At the Expo Centre, Lahore.
How many players are registered for the PSL auction?
A total of 879 players have registered.
Is this the first full auction in PSL history?
Yes, PSL 2026 is the first season to use a full auction system.
Which team has the biggest advantage in the auction?
Rawalpindi franchise, as it enters with a full purse and no retentions.
Conclusion
The announcement of the PSL 2026 player auction schedule officially kicks off a new era for the Pakistan Super League. With a full auction model, record player registrations, and clearly defined financial rules, PSL 11 is set to become the most competitive season yet. As February 11 approaches, fans can expect intense bidding, strategic surprises, and a complete reshaping of team lineups.
