The PSL 11 auction in February 2026 gave each franchise a PKR 45 crore purse, set four base prices from PKR 0.6 to 4.2 crore, required squads of 16 to 20 players and allowed 5 to 7 overseas players in a squad. It was the league’s first auction and replaced the player draft. The PCB has not yet published the PSL 12 rules.
Last checked 23 October 2026. The rules below are the PSL 11 rules; PSL 12 changes will be added when announced.
What are the PSL auction rules?
| Rule | PSL 11 auction | PSL 12 |
|---|---|---|
| Purse | PKR 45 crore per franchise | Pending |
| Base prices | PKR 4.2, 2.2, 1.1 and 0.6 crore | Pending |
| Squad size | 16 to 20 players | Pending |
| Overseas players | 5 to 7 in the squad; 3 to 4 in the playing XI | Pending |
| Uncapped players under 23 | At least 2 in the squad; 1 in the XI (PSL 11 only) | Pending |
Source: Wisden.
What do the limits add up to?
With eight franchises each holding a PKR 45 crore purse, the PSL 11 auction had PKR 360 crore in total to spend. Squads of 16 to 20 meant between 128 and 160 players across the league. A franchise that spent its whole purse on a few players at the top base price of PKR 4.2 crore would still have to fill at least 16 places, which is why the lower base prices matter.
Those totals are our arithmetic from the published limits, not figures the PCB released.
How is an auction different from a draft?
The PSL used a player draft before 2026, including for PSL 10 in 2025. In a draft, franchises take turns to pick players from a pool, so a team’s choices depend on its position in the order. In an auction, a player’s price rises as franchises bid, and the highest bidder signs the player if it stays within its purse. PSL 11 was the first season to use an auction.
What stays unknown for PSL 12?
The PCB has confirmed an auction on 23 January 2027 with a direct-signing window beforehand, but has not said whether the PSL 11 purse, base prices, squad limits and overseas limits apply. The retention deadline and trade window are also to be set. See the PSL 12 auction page for the status of each step and the glossary for terms.