Ahead of PSL 11, franchises have confirmed their player retentions as teams prepare for the upcoming season. This year marks a major change in the player selection process, as the traditional draft system has been replaced with an auction-based model.
Under the new system, teams can retain only one player from each category instead of eight. The remaining squad members will be selected through the auction, introducing a more competitive approach to team formation for PSL 11.
The defending champions, Lahore Qalandars, have retained captain Shaheen Afridi in the Platinum category for PSL 11. However, the franchise released star players Haris Rauf and Fakhar Zaman from the Platinum category.
In the Diamond category, Abdullah Shafiq has been retained, while Salman Mirza has been released. Sikandar Raza continues with the team in the Gold category, alongside Muhammad Naeem in Silver. Several players, including Zaman Khan, Jahandad Khan, Asif Afridi, and Asif Ali from Gold, as well as Muhammad Ikhlaq and Muhammad Azab from Silver, have been released ahead of the auction.
Franchise managers say the new retention rules aim to maintain balance across teams and increase excitement among fans. The upcoming auction will give franchises a chance to strengthen their squads strategically for PSL 11.
Fans are closely following the retentions, especially for star players like Shaheen Afridi and Fakhar Zaman, as these decisions will shape the tournament’s opening matches. The auction is expected to attract top domestic and international talent, adding more thrill to the season.
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The 11th edition of the Pakistan Super League promises a competitive and entertaining season, with teams restructured under the new retention and auction system. Players, fans, and analysts are eagerly awaiting the final squads to see how the season unfolds.
