Million-Dollar Moves: PCB unveils PKR 50 crore purse and auction dynamics for HBL PSL 11
Million-Dollar Moves: PCB unveils PKR 50 crore purse and auction dynamics for HBL PSL 11
By Nawaz Gohar ; The landscape of Pakistan’s premier T20 tournament has officially shifted. In a landmark consultative workshop held at Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) finalized the blueprint for the first-ever HBL PSL Player Auction, scheduled to take place on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.
Presided over by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and PSL CEO Salman Naseer, the session brought together an unprecedented mix of powerbrokers and superstars. In attendance were representatives from all eight franchises alongside icons of the game, including Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Hasan Ali, ensuring the players’ voices were central to the league’s evolution.
Moving away from the traditional draft, the league will now operate on a market-driven auction model with all bids and base prices denominated in Pakistani Rupees (PKR). The top-tier talent will enter the pool with a staggering base price of PKR 4.2 Crore.
The Tendering Tiers:
Elite Bracket: PKR 4.2 Crore
Premium Bracket: PKR 2.2 Crore
Gold Bracket: PKR 1.1 Crore
Silver Bracket: PKR 60 Lakhs
To keep the bidding competitive, a structured Incremental Bid System was established. Bids exceeding the PKR 4.2 Crore mark will see minimum jumps of PKR 15 Lakhs, while lower brackets will feature increments ranging from PKR 2.5 Lakh to PKR 10 Lakh.
In a strategic move to lure “Elite” global talent, the PCB has increased the franchise salary purse to PKR 45 Crore, with an optional extension to PKR 50.5 Crore. This additional buffer allows teams to directly sign one marquee foreign player who did not participate in the 10th edition. Notably, the PCB will also co-contribute to the procurement costs of world-class international stars.
Squad Dynamics and Long-term Stability
The HBL PSL 11 will introduce a two-year contract cycle, offering players and franchises greater stability.
Squad Size: Minimum 16 to a maximum of 20 players.
Foreign Quota: 5 to 7 players per squad, with 3 to 4 mandatory in the Playing XI.
Youth Mandate: Each team must include two U-23 uncapped players, with at least one in the starting lineup.
Looking ahead, teams can retain up to seven players for the 12th edition, leading into a “Grand Auction” for the 13th season where retentions will be capped at five.
Leadership Perspectives
Chairman Mohsin Naqvi hailed the session as a turning point, stating: “The Player Auction model is a landmark step. It offers our athletes better financial rewards through an increased purse and a transparent process, making the HBL PSL more competitive than ever.”
CEO Salman Naseer added that the “New Era” is about meeting fan expectations: “This system modernizes recruitment through market-driven value. Today’s rich feedback ensures that next month’s auction will be a spectacular success for players, franchises, and our loyal supporters.”
