The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has released comprehensive guidelines for the PSL 11 player auction 2026, covering base prices, bidding rules, squad composition, foreign player limits, and franchise purse caps.
The details were shared after a dedicated PSL 11 auction workshop held to brief franchises and key stakeholders ahead of the new recruitment cycle.
The updated framework aims to streamline the auction process while maintaining competitive balance across teams.
PSL 11 Player Base Prices Announced by PCB
PCB has confirmed four official base price categories for the PSL 11 auction, all listed in Pakistani rupees. The highest base price has been set at Rs. 4.2 crore, followed by Rs. 2.2 crore, Rs. 1.1 crore, and Rs. 60 lakh. These base prices will serve as the starting point for bidding when franchises begin competing for players.
The pricing structure is designed to accommodate both marquee international stars and emerging domestic talent.
Minimum Bid Increments Set to Regulate Auction Flow
To ensure an orderly auction process, PCB has also announced minimum bid increment slabs. For bids below Rs. 1.1 crore, the minimum increase will be Rs. 250,000. For bids below Rs. 2.2 crore, the increment will be Rs. 500,000, while bids below Rs. 4.2 crore must increase by at least Rs. 1,000,000. For bids exceeding Rs. 4.2 crore, the minimum increment will be Rs. 1,500,000.
However, franchises are not limited to these minimum steps and may raise bids by larger amounts if they choose.
Squad Size Rules and Foreign Player Quota for PSL 11
Each franchise must assemble a squad of at least 16 players and a maximum of 20 players for PSL 11. Teams will be allowed to include five to seven foreign players, with the exact number depending on the total squad size, meaning larger squads can carry more overseas players.
This structure is intended to maintain a strong mix of local and international talent.
Mandatory Under-23 Players to Promote Youth Development
To strengthen the player development pipeline, PCB has made it mandatory for every franchise to include at least two uncapped under-23 players in their squad. Additionally, each team must field at least one uncapped Under-23 player in the playing XI during matches.
This rule is aimed at providing exposure to young cricketers and building future national prospects.
Two-Year Contracts and Future Retention Policy
All players selected or retained in PSL 11 will sign two-year contracts with their respective franchises. Looking ahead, teams will be allowed to retain up to seven players for PSL 12.
After the completion of PSL 12, the league will shift to a grand auction model, under which franchises will be permitted to retain a maximum of five players, while all other players will re-enter the general auction pool.
Direct Foreign Signings and Franchise Purse Increase
PCB has reiterated that each franchise can directly sign one foreign player who did not feature in PSL 10. The standard franchise purse for PSL 11 has been set at Rs. 45 crore, but PCB has indicated it may be extended up to Rs. 50.5 crore to accommodate direct foreign signings.
The board also confirmed it will assist franchises in attracting top international players to maintain the league’s global appeal.
PSL 11 Auction Expected to Shape Team Strategies
With clearly defined financial caps, retention limits, and youth inclusion rules, the PSL 11 player auction 2026 is expected to play a decisive role in shaping franchise strategies. Teams will need to balance star power, overseas talent, and young domestic players while staying within purse limits.
The auction will mark the beginning of a new competitive cycle as the league prepares for major structural changes ahead of the grand auction after PSL 12.
