The 11th edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) will mark another historic development, as franchises will move to a player auction model instead of the traditional player draft system, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced earlier this week.
In the new PSL auction model, several changes have been introduced regarding players, mentors and brand ambassadors. Under the new model, each franchise may retain a maximum of four players, whereas the previous model allowed eight. These four players will be retained in the Platinum, Diamond, Gold and Silver categories.
The rules regarding mentors, brand ambassadors and the right-to-match have been removed. Under the right-to-match clause, a player in any category could be retained as a brand ambassador or mentor for an additional fee.
Newly added teams will be allowed to select and retain four players from the available player pool before the auction. Each franchise will be permitted to directly sign any foreign player who was not part of PSL X. This will give teams the opportunity to bring in new foreign players and strengthen their squads. According to the PCB, the fee for directly signing foreign players will be determined by the board.
It is pertinent to note that PSL 11 will officially commence on 26 March. Furthermore, Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad will be added as an additional venue to host league matches for the first time, after hosting many competitive domestic tournaments.
The marquee players such as former South African captain Faf du Plessis and former England all-rounder Moeen Ali have already made themselves available for the upcoming 11th edition of the PSL.
