HBL PSL makes history with first-ever player auction as franchises finalise squads for season 11

Lahore, 11 February 2026:

The HBL PSL ushered in a new era on Tuesday as the league conducted its first-ever Player Auction ahead of Season 11, with a total of 103 players sold and eight franchises completing their squads for the upcoming edition.

Set to take place from 26 March to 3 May, HBL PSL 11 will mark a significant shift in the league’s structure, with the auction model replacing the traditional draft system. Three teams — Rawalpindi, Sialkot Stallionz and Hyderabad Houston Kings — assembled their maiden squads, adding fresh intrigue to the competition.

Naseem Shah Tops the Charts

Rawalpindi’s Naseem Shah emerged as the most expensive player of the auction, bagging a staggering PKR 8.65 crore — the highest bid of the event. His teammate, New Zealand all-rounder Daryl Mitchell, became the most expensive overseas signing, secured for PKR 8.05 crores.

Rawalpindi further strengthened their squad by adding Mohammad Amir for PKR 5.4 crores and left-arm spinner Asif Afridi for PKR 2.4 crores, complementing retained stars Mohammad Rizwan and Sam Billings.

Faheem Ashraf Opens the Auction

All-rounder Faheem Ashraf etched his name into history as the first player to be auctioned in HBL PSL. Islamabad United secured his services for PKR 8.5 crores after an intense bidding war that began at his base price of PKR 4.2 crores.

Islamabad also roped in Mark Chapman (PKR 7 crores), Mohammad Wasim Jnr (PKR 4.1 crores), Imad Wasim (PKR 2.2 crores) and Pakistan U19 sensation Sameer Minhas (PKR 1.9 crores). In a landmark moment, Nepal’s Dipendra Singh Airee was picked up for PKR 60 lacs, becoming the first Nepalese player in HBL PSL history.

Karachi Kings Reunite with Warner

Karachi Kings made headlines by bringing back former skipper David Warner for PKR 7.9 crores. They also secured Pakistan T20I captain Salman Ali Agha for PKR 5.85 crores and Australian leg-spinner Adam Zampa for PKR 4.5 crores, who is set to make his HBL PSL debut.

Azam Khan will don Karachi colours for the first time after being bought for PKR 3.25 crores, while Moeen Ali joined as a direct signing for PKR 6.44 crores.

Qalandars and Zalmi Reinforce Core

Defending champions Lahore Qalandars retained Shaheen Shah Afridi (PKR 7 crores) and re-signed Haris Rauf for PKR 7.6 crores. Fakhar Zaman, the second-leading run-scorer in HBL PSL history, was bought back for PKR 7.95 crores. Usama Mir (PKR 3.5 crores) and Ubaid Shah (PKR 2.7 crores) further bolstered their bowling attack.

Peshawar Zalmi maintained their strong core with Babar Azam (retained for PKR 7 crores) and added overseas firepower in Michael Bracewell (PKR 4.2 crores), Kusal Mendis (PKR 4.2 crores) and James Vince (PKR 3 crores). Aamir Jamal, Khuram Shahzad and Mohammad Haris were among their key domestic acquisitions.

Gladiators and Kingsmen Make Bold Moves

Quetta Gladiators secured Rilee Rossouw for PKR 5.55 crores, marking his 10th HBL PSL season and sixth with the franchise. Rossouw remains the leading foreign run-scorer in league history. Khawaja Mohammad Nafay was another standout pick, sold for PKR 6.5 crores after his base price of PKR 1.1 crore soared during bidding.

Hyderabad Houston Kings, one of the new franchises, began their auction by acquiring Test pacer Mohammad Ali for PKR 2.15 crores. They also added Kusal Perera (PKR 3.1 crores) and Muhammad Irfan Khan (PKR 2.9 crores), while retaining Saim Ayub for a hefty PKR 12.6 crores. Australian batter Marnus Labuschagne joined as a direct signing for PKR 5.88 crores.

Stallionz and Smith Headline New Era

Sialkot Stallionz made a statement by directly signing Australian superstar Steve Smith for PKR 14 crores — the highest-value direct signing of the window. They further strengthened their line-up with Sahibzada Farhan (PKR 5.70 crores), Ashton Turner (PKR 4.2 crores), Peter Siddle (PKR 2.5 crores) and Tabraiz Shamsi (PKR 2.2 crores). Siddle will also make his HBL PSL debut.

A New Chapter for HBL PSL

With 141 players lined up across eight franchises and a record-breaking auction concluded, HBL PSL 11 promises heightened competition and global star power. The shift to the auction model has added fresh excitement and strategic depth to team-building, setting the stage for a blockbuster season.