Overview:
Sialkot and Hyderabad are the two new franchises and were bought for PKR 185,000 crore and PKR 175,000 crore, respectively.
Australia batter Steve Smith was bought for PKR 14 crore as a direct signing ahead of the 11th edition of the Pakistan Super League, becoming the most expensive player in the history of the tournament. Smith, who has been added to Australia’s squad for the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2026 as a cover for injured Mitchell Marsh, was signed by Sialkot Stallions for USD 500,000 approximately. The PSL has been expanded to eight franchises from six, with the PCB introducing the auction system, scraping the draft format.
The auction was held on Wednesday, and some of the big overseas players went under the hammer. Mustafizur Rahman, Devon Conway, Dasun Shanaka, Kusal Mendis, David Warner, Adam Zampa, Rilee Rossouw, Tabraiz Shamsi, Daryl Mitchell, Kusal Mendis, Marnus Labuschagne and Mark Chapman were part of the process.
A total of 103 players joined eight teams. Naseem Shah, who was bought for PKR 8.65 crore by Islamabad United, was the most expensive Pakistani player.
All-rounder Faheem Ashraf went to Islamabad United for PKR 8.5 crore. Peshawar Zalmi retained star batter Babar Azam for PKR 7 crore. Saim Ayub was the most expensive retention as he will play for Zalmi after getting PKR 12.2 crore.
The new season of the PSL is scheduled to be held from March 26 to May 3.
Sialkot and Hyderabad are the two new franchises and were bought for PKR 185,000 crore and PKR 175,000 crore, respectively.