ISLUFamily makes its voice heard as Islamabad United commits to auction model

Naqvi shares fan-driven mandate ahead of key PSL discussions; PCB to take final call.

The debate around the future player recruitment model in the Pakistan Super League has taken a decisive turn, with Islamabad United formally committing to vote for an AUCTION model, following overwhelming support from its fan base.

In a series of tweets shared by Ali Naqvi, the owner of Islamabad United, it was made clear that the franchise is standing firmly by its pledge to respect the voice of the #ISLUFamily. According to Naqvi, the message from supporters was “loud and clear”: they want an auction, not a draft.

“The people have spoken – loud and clear they want an AUCTION.”

Reaffirming the franchise’s fan-first philosophy, Naqvi stated that Islamabad United will back the auction model in internal PSL discussions, directly acknowledging league stakeholders in the process.

“True to our pledge and the overwhelming voice of the #ISLUFamily, @IsbUnited will VOTE FOR AUCTION in internal PSL discussions.”https://x.com/alinaqvi808/status/2010279326844129370?s=46

The message was also formally flagged to Rehan-ul-Haq, ensuring that the stance is on record as deliberations continue behind closed doors.

However, while Islamabad United’s position is now unambiguous, Naqvi was careful to underline the broader governance structure of the league. The franchise, he said, will strongly advocate for auction-based player recruitment, but the ultimate authority rests with the Pakistan Cricket Board.

“#ISLUFamily, we’ll push hard for an auction but the ultimate decision is with PCB.”

https://x.com/alinaqvi808/status/2010053882706370597?s=46

The timing of this declaration is significant. With the PSL set to expand through the addition of two new teams, structural decisions such as auction vs draft and the number of retentions are expected to define the competitive balance of the league’s next era. Islamabad United’s public alignment with fan sentiment adds pressure on other franchises and the PCB to justify whichever path is ultimately chosen.

Once again, Islamabad United have positioned themselves as a franchise driven not just by trophies, but by transparency and engagement—turning supporter opinion into a formal policy stance.

As the league waits for the PCB’s final verdict, one thing is certain: the ISLUFamily has spoken, and their voice is now part of the PSL’s decision-making narrative.