PSL 11 Auction: Naseem Shah and Faheem Ashraf emerge as top picks in multi-billion rupee player draft
PSL 11 Auction: Naseem Shah and Faheem Ashraf emerge as top picks in multi-billion rupee player draft
By Nawaz Gohar ; The player auction for the eleventh edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) concluded with high drama and record-breaking bids at the Expo Center, Lahore. Over 800 domestic and international cricketers were up for grabs, with the event marking a new era as Multan Sultans transitioned to new ownership under the name “Rawalpindi.”
The Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Mohsin Naqvi, was warmly received by all franchise owners upon his arrival. In a gesture of national pride, Naqvi presented the owners with customized “Markhor” themed T-shirts, the official kit of the national team for the T20 World Cup 2026.
The auction kicked off with a massive splash as Faheem Ashraf was secured by Islamabad United for a staggering PKR 85 million. Australia’s David Warner headlined the international picks, joining Karachi Kings for PKR 79 million, while Quetta Gladiators secured South African powerhouse Rilee Rossouw for PKR 55.5 million.
Other notable returns and signings included:
Naseem Shah: The pace sensation was the highlight for Rawalpindi, acquired for PKR 86.5 million.
Fakhar Zaman & Haris Rauf: Lahore Qalandars showed immense loyalty, bringing back Fakhar for PKR 79.5 million and Rauf for PKR 76 million.
Saim Ayub & Salman Ali Agha: National T20 captain Salman Ali Agha joined Karachi Kings for PKR 58.5 million, while the new franchise, Sialkot Stallionz, snagged Sahibzada Farhan for PKR 57 million.
The franchises invested heavily in young and experienced slow bowlers. New Zealand’s Mark Chapman (PKR 70 million) and Australia’s Adam Zampa (PKR 45 million) joined Islamabad and Karachi, respectively. Young spin sensations Mehran Mumtaz (Islamabad), Faisal Akram (Quetta), and Arafat Minhas (Quetta) also secured million-rupee deals.
In the pace department, the newly formed Hyderabad franchise acquired Mohammad Ali for PKR 21.5 million, while Rawalpindi bolstered their attack with veteran Mohammad Amir (PKR 54 million) and Kiwi all-rounder Daryl Mitchell (PKR 80.5 million).
The latter stages of the auction saw frantic bidding for emerging stars and utility players:
Ubaid Shah and Haseebullah Khan were picked up by Lahore Qalandars.
Khawaja Nafay remained a high-value pick for Quetta at PKR 65 million.
International stars like Tabraiz Shamsi (Sialkot), Shemar Joseph (Islamabad), and Kusal Perera (Hyderabad) added global flavor to the rosters.
The auction concluded with franchises filling their remaining slots with domestic stalwarts. Players like Asif Ali, Haider Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, and Sharjeel Khan found new homes or were retained in lower-bracket deals, ensuring that all eight teams are balanced and ready for what promises to be the most competitive PSL season yet.
