Rashid Latif suggests retention formula ahead of PSL expansion

Former Pakistan cricketer Rashid Latif has shared his personal views on how player retention rules could be structured for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) as the tournament prepares to expand with the addition of two new franchises.

In a post on social media platform X, Latif outlined a possible retention framework aimed at maintaining competitive balance between the six existing teams and the two incoming sides. Latif proposed that each of the six original franchises be allowed to retain up to four players from their current squads.

https://x.com/irashidlatif68/status/2012510827518238931?s=46

According to his suggestion, teams could choose from two combinations: retaining three Pakistani players including one emerging player

and one overseas player, or retaining two Pakistani players (with one emerging) alongside two overseas players. Latif highlighted the inclusion of emerging players as a way to protect local talent development within the league.

Addressing the challenge faced by the new franchises, Hyderabad (Sindh) and Sialkot, Latif suggested they should be allowed to pick up to three players each from the pool of cricketers not retained by the existing teams before the draft or auction process begins. He argued that such a mechanism would help new teams build competitive squads without being at an immediate disadvantage.

The PSL is expected to undergo significant structural changes with its planned expansion, and discussions around retention policies have become increasingly prominent. While the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has yet to announce any official framework, opinions from former players and analysts like Latif continue to shape public debate around the league’s future.