The Pakistan Super League (PSL) has finalized player auction rules, retention limits, and salary caps for its upcoming 12th season.
All eight franchises have agreed to the new regulations ahead of the player auction scheduled for January 23, 2027.
The decisions were made during a workshop at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. PSL Chief Executive Officer Salman Naseer chaired the meeting.
Under the new rules, each franchise can retain a maximum of seven players before the auction.
The changes aim to establish clear guidelines for squad selection, player contracts, and franchise spending.
PSL 12 Player Retention Rules Announced
Franchises must finalize their retained players by January 13, 2027.
This gives teams ten days to prepare for the upcoming player auction.
Teams retaining seven players, including a Direct Signing, must release one player from the previous auction’s highest price category.
The released player will enter the general auction pool, allowing other franchises to compete for their services.
The retention deadline also considers Pakistan’s domestic cricket schedule.
It falls after the National T20 Silver tournament and during the National T20 Gold competition.
This arrangement allows franchises to evaluate players based on their recent performances.
Emerging cricketers could also improve their chances of selection through strong domestic performances.
PSL Franchises Get Rs45 Crore Salary Cap
Each franchise will receive a salary cap of Rs45 crore, approximately $1.6 million.
However, the spending limit can increase to Rs50.5 crore under specific conditions.
Teams can qualify for the higher limit through a new Direct Signing or by retaining an existing Direct Signing.
Franchises using both options can also receive the increased salary cap.
Additionally, every franchise must spend at least Rs36.5 crore, approximately $1.3 million, on its squad.
These financial regulations establish minimum and maximum spending limits for participating teams.
Direct Signings Deadline Set for November 23
The Direct Signings window will remain open until November 23, 2026.
Each franchise can directly sign one marquee player who did not participate in PSL 10 or PSL 11.
This option allows teams to strengthen their squads before the main player auction.
Franchises will need to complete these signings within the announced deadline.
The workshop also discussed player trading windows and squad sizes for the upcoming season.
All Eight Franchises Approve Auction Regulations
Representatives from all eight franchises reviewed the proposed auction regulations during the Lahore workshop.
According to officials, the rules received unanimous approval following detailed discussions.
PSL CEO Salman Naseer welcomed the agreement and praised the franchises for their cooperation.
He said every franchise participated openly, allowing the organizers to finalize the regulations through mutual agreement.
Naseer also highlighted the importance of linking retention decisions with domestic cricket competitions.
He explained that this approach would provide emerging players with opportunities to attract franchise attention.
The January 23 auction will mark the second player auction in Pakistan Super League history.
With the regulations finalized, franchises can now begin preparing their retention lists and recruitment strategies.
In other news read more about PCB Drops Saim Ayub and Brings in Sahibzada Farhan for ODI Tri-Series
The upcoming auction will play an important role in shaping squads for the 2027 season.
