The PSL 12 player auction is on 23 January 2027, and the venue has not been announced. Before it, each of the eight franchises can directly sign one marquee player between 23 October and 23 November 2026. The retention deadline, the trade window and the auction rules for PSL 12 have not been published.
Last checked 23 October 2026. This page is part of our PSL 12 coverage.
What has been confirmed about the PSL 12 auction?
| Item | Status | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Auction date | Confirmed | 23 January 2027 |
| Auction venue | Not announced | No venue named |
| Direct-signing window | Confirmed | 23 October to 23 November 2026 |
| Retention deadline | Pending | To be set after a franchise workshop |
| Pre-auction trade window | Pending | To be set after a franchise workshop |
| Purse, squad and overseas limits | Pending | Not published for PSL 12 |
How long is the PSL 12 pre-season?
| Step | Dates | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Direct-signing window | 23 October to 23 November 2026 | 31 days |
| Gap from window close to the auction | 23 November 2026 to 23 January 2027 | 61 days |
| Gap from the auction to the first match | 23 January to 18 March 2027 | 54 days |
For comparison, PSL 11 had 43 days between its auction on 11 February 2026 and its first match on 26 March 2026. The extra 11 days in 2027 give franchises more time to settle squads after the auction. The day counts are our arithmetic from announced dates.
What were the PSL 11 auction rules?
PSL 11 held the league’s first auction, replacing the player draft used before. The PCB has not said whether the PSL 11 limits carry over, so treat them as the last known rules, not as the PSL 12 rules.
| Rule | PSL 11 auction |
|---|---|
| Purse per franchise | PKR 45 crore |
| Base prices | PKR 4.2, 2.2, 1.1 and 0.6 crore |
| Squad size | 16 to 20 players |
| Overseas players | 5 to 7 in the squad; 3 to 4 in the playing XI |
| Uncapped players under 23 | At least 2 in the squad; 1 in the playing XI (PSL 11 only) |
Source: Wisden. Our PSL auction rules guide explains each rule and how an auction differs from a draft.
What should you watch for next?
- The franchise workshop. The PCB has said retention, trade, auction rules and playing conditions will be settled there; no date is announced.
- Direct signings. Each franchise can sign one marquee player by 23 November 2026; see PSL 12 direct signings.
- The auction venue. It has not been named.
- Rule changes. The uncapped under-23 rule applied to PSL 11 only, so a change for PSL 12 would be notable.
We update this page when the PCB publishes the retention deadline, trade window, venue or rules.