HBL PSL franchises agree on player retention limits, salary cap ahead of auction
Franchises must submit their final retention lists by January 13, 2027, ten days before the auction takes place on January 23
Sports Desk
The Sports Desk is the editorial team responsible for covering the latest news, updates, and analysis from the world of sports. Our team of experienced writers and journalists bring you in-depth coverage of local and international sports events, player profiles, and expert opinions.
The meeting, chaired by PSL Chief Executive Officer Salman Naseer, brought league officials and franchise representatives together to finalise key arrangements for the upcoming season.
PCB
All eight franchises of the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) have agreed on a common framework for squad formation, player retention and transfers ahead of the tournament’s 12th edition, following a comprehensive operations workshop at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Thursday.
The meeting, chaired by PSL Chief Executive Officer Salman Naseer, brought league officials and franchise representatives together to finalise key arrangements for the upcoming season, including regulations for the Player Auction scheduled for January 2027.
When will franchises announce their retained players?
Franchises must submit their final retention lists by January 13, 2027, ten days before the auction takes place on January 23.
The deadline has been strategically scheduled around the domestic T20 calendar, allowing teams to assess performances in the National T20 Silver tournament while monitoring the ongoing National T20 Gold competition.
This arrangement will give franchises an opportunity to identify emerging domestic talent and make retention decisions based on players' latest performances.
How many players can each franchise retain?
Each team will be permitted to retain a maximum of seven players, including its Direct Signing.
However, franchises opting for the maximum retention allowance will face an additional condition. They must release one player from the highest price category of the previous auction into the general player pool.
What are the financial rules for PSL 12?
Every franchise will enter the auction with a base salary cap of PKR 45 crore, approximately $1.6 million.
The limit will increase to PKR 50.5 crore for teams that complete a Direct Signing, retain their previous season's Direct Signing or exercise both options.
Meanwhile, all franchises will be required to spend at least PKR 36.5 crore, equivalent to approximately $1.3 million, on their squads.
What are the direct signing arrangements?
Franchises have until November 23, 2026, to complete their direct signings.
Under the provision, each team can recruit one marquee player who did not participate in either PSL 10 or PSL 11.
Comments
See what people are discussing