Several PSL players are reluctant to accept retentions ahead of PSL 11, reveals Rashid Latif

Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has raised concerns over growing uncertainty surrounding player retentions and franchise strategies ahead of the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) auction, suggesting that major changes could reshape the league’s traditional structure.

In a series of posts on social media, Latif revealed that several players are reportedly reluctant to be retained by their current franchises, believing they could secure higher contracts through the auction process. According to Latif, these players feel that open bidding could end what he described as “franchise dominance,” where teams have historically convinced players to remain loyal under long-term arrangements.

Latif noted that while Shaheen Shah Afridi is expected to be retained by Lahore Qalandars, the future of Haris Rauf and Fakhar Zaman with the franchise remains uncertain.

He also criticized past practices in which franchises retained top-category players in lower tiers under the guise of mentorship or brand ambassador roles, allowing teams to maintain balance while bypassing fair market competition. Latif suggested that such methods helped create so-called “franchise families,” a concept he believes may now begin to collapse.

Meanwhile, Latif pointed out that new franchises Hyderabad and Sialkot have already made bold moves by appointing high-profile and expensive coaching staff. He noted that in previous seasons, franchises paid little attention to coaching structures, but the recent developments indicate a growing emphasis on building strong support teams.

“The era of minimal investment in coaching is ending,” Latif implied, adding that franchises have been directly signing coaching staff for nearly a decade, but are now taking this process more seriously.

Latif further identified several players who he believes will attract strong bids in the upcoming auction, including Abrar Ahmed, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Amir, Saim Ayub, Mohammad Nawaz, Abdullah Shafique, Abbas Afridi, Zaman Khan, and Saad Baig, among others.

He claimed that some players are deliberately avoiding retention to increase their market value, while others may be kept by franchises on emotional grounds rather than purely cricketing merit.

However, Latif warned that not all players are guaranteed success at the auction. He suggested that some cricketers, who have been associated with a single franchise for many years, may struggle to attract bids from other teams, exposing how limited their market demand truly is.

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“This auction could be an eye-opener for franchise owners,” Latif indicated, adding that it may reveal realities that went unnoticed over the past decade.

Turning to ownership matters, Latif also questioned whether Multan Sultans’ ownership would return to Ali Tareen or be taken over by new investors. He said that Ali Tareen’s return could elevate the league, as several issues he previously raised are now being addressed by the Pakistan Cricket Board, particularly regarding the auction system.

Latif concluded by expressing hope that the Rana brothers—Fawad Rana, Sameen Rana, and Atif Rana—would continue their involvement with Lahore Qalandars, crediting them with adding energy and popularity to the PSL.

His remarks have sparked debate among fans and analysts, as the PSL prepares for what could be one of its most competitive and transformative auctions in recent years.