LAHORE: The Pakistan Super League (PSL) created history on Wednesday as it held its first-ever players auction at Expo Centre Lahore, replacing the traditional draft system.
For the first time, an eight-team tournament is selecting players through a competitive bidding process, marking a major shift in the league’s format ahead of PSL 11, which begins on March 26.
In the first lot of all-rounders, Faheem Ashraf was picked up by Islamabad United for Rs 8.5 crore, emerging as one of the most expensive players of the session.
However, several notable names including Imad Wasim, Mohammad Junaid, Mehdi Hasan Miraz, Hussain Talat, Asif Afridi, Danish Aziz and Mohammad Zeeshan went unsold.
In the second lot:
- David Warner (Australia) was bought by Karachi Kings for Rs 7.9 crore.
- Rilee Rossouw (South Africa) joined Quetta Gladiators for Rs 5.55 crore.
- Jahanzeb Sultan was picked by Sialkot Stallions for Rs 60 lakh.
Players such as Colin Munro, Umair Bin Yousuf, Kamran Ghulam, George Munsey and Saud Shakeel remained unpicked.
Naseem Shah Becomes Highest Pick
In one of the biggest deals of the auction, Naseem Shah was secured by Rawalpindi for Rs 8.65 crore, making him the most expensive player so far.
Other major signings included:
- Haris Rauf rejoining Lahore Qalandars for Rs 7.6 crore
- Salman Ali Agha (Pakistan T20 captain) to Karachi Kings for Rs 5.85 crore
- Sahibzada Farhan to Sialkot Stallions for Rs 5.7 crore
- Azam Khan to Karachi Kings for Rs 3.25 crore
- Usama Mir to Lahore Qalandars for Rs 3.5 crore
Meanwhile, Chris Jordan, Mohammad Hasnain and Rumman Raees were among those who went unsold.
Young Talent Attracts Strong Interest
Several emerging players also found franchises:
- Rashad Hossain (Bangladesh) to Rawalpindi for Rs 3 crore
- Mehram Mumtaz to Islamabad United for Rs 1.25 crore
- Faisal Akram to Quetta Gladiators for Rs 1.25 crore
- Aamer Jamal to Peshawar Zalmi for Rs 1.9 crore
- Arafat Minhas to Quetta Gladiators for Rs 1.1 crore
- Jehan Dad Khan to Quetta Gladiators for Rs 2.5 crore
- Mohammad Ali to Hyderabad for Rs 2.15 crore
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi attended the auction ceremony and was warmly welcomed by franchise owners. He also presented specially customized ‘Markhor’ T20 World Cup 2026 shirts to franchise representatives.
In another key development, Multan Sultans will now compete under the new name ‘Rawalpindi’ after ownership changes.
A total of 880 players have registered for PSL 11, reflecting strong global interest in the league.
With high-profile signings and a new auction format, PSL 11 promises to be one of the most competitive editions in league history.