PSL 2026: Player Retentions & Auction Details – Smith to Stallionz

The Pakistan Super League (PSL) is gearing up for its 11th season with significant player retention announcements and a groundbreaking auction scheduled for February 11th. This year marks the first time the PSL will utilize an auction format to build team rosters.

Player Retention Decisions

Several franchises have already confirmed which players they will retain for the upcoming season. Peshawar Zalmi, Lahore Qalandars, Quetta Gladiators, and Karachi Kings have each retained four players. Islamabad United has retained three. Notably, Multan Sultans have not retained any players at this time.

Babar Azam will continue with Peshawar Zalmi, alongside Sufiyan Muqeem, Abdul Samad, and Ali Raza. Shaheen Shah Afridi remains with Lahore Qalandars, joined by Abdullah Shafique, Sikandar Raza, and Mohammad Naeem. Quetta Gladiators will retain Abrar Ahmed, Usman Tariq, Hasan Nawaz, and Shamyl Hussain. Karachi Kings have secured Hasan Ali, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Khushdil Shah, and Saad Baig.

Islamabad United will feature Shadab Khan, Salman Irshad, and USA wicketkeeper-batter Andries Gous. The two new teams, Sialkot Stallionz and Hyderabad, are expected to announce their retained players by February 7th.

Did You Know? The auction on February 11th will be the first in the history of the Pakistan Super League.

Contract and Squad Details

All players, whether retained or acquired through the auction, will receive two-year contracts with their respective franchises. Teams are permitted to sign between 16 and 20 players, including five to seven overseas players. A key requirement is that each team must include at least one local player under the age of 23 who has not previously participated in the PSL.

Each franchise has been allocated an auction purse of PKR 450 million (USD 1.6 million), which can be increased to PKR 505 million (USD 1.8 million) to facilitate the direct signing of players. Sialkot Stallionz have already utilized this option, directly signing Steven Smith on Tuesday.

Expert Insight: The introduction of an auction format and the allowance for direct signings represent a significant shift in how PSL teams are constructed, potentially leading to more competitive bidding and strategic player acquisitions.

What’s Next?

The coming days will be crucial as Sialkot Stallionz and Hyderabad finalize their retained player lists. The auction on February 11th is poised to be a pivotal event, shaping the composition of teams for PSL 11. Some teams may prioritize filling their overseas slots, while others may focus on securing emerging local talent to meet the under-23 player requirement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which team has not retained any players?

Multan Sultans have not retained any players as of February 4, 2026.

When is the PSL auction scheduled to take place?

The auction is scheduled to take place on February 11th.

How many players can each team sign?

Teams can sign between 16 and 20 players.

How will the new auction format impact team dynamics and player values in the upcoming PSL season?