Silver and Emerging category retentions confirmed as the roadmap for the HBL PSL 11 player auction begins to take shape

The road to HBL Pakistan Super League 11 officially gathered momentum on Monday as Silver and Emerging category renewals were confirmed ahead of the highly anticipated player auction scheduled for February 11 in Lahore.

With eight franchises locking in their retained names across both categories, the retention window has offered an early glimpse into each team’s strategic direction, balancing continuity, youth development, and long-term squad building before stepping onto the auction floor.

Silver Category: Backing Potential with Continuity

In the Silver category, franchises have largely opted to persist with players who have shown promise at the domestic level or provided valuable depth in previous PSL campaigns.

Islamabad United retained Mohammad Faiq and right-arm pacer Hunain Shah, continuing their focus on young batting talent and emerging fast-bowling resources.

Karachi Kings confirmed the retention of spinner Mirza Mamoon Imtiaz, while Lahore Qalandars kept faith in wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Akhlaq, batter Mohammad Naeem, and fast bowler Mohammad Azab, underlining their commitment to a balanced local core.

Peshawar Zalmi opted to retain bowlers Arif Yaqoob and Mehran Mumtaz, reinforcing their spin depth. Multan Sultans, meanwhile, emerged as the most active franchise in this category, retaining Yasir Khan, Amir Barki, Mohammad Junaid, Humayun Altaf, Ali Imran, Jahanzeb Sultan, and fast bowler Ubaid Shah, reflecting a strong emphasis on continuity and bench strength.

Quetta Gladiators retained spinner Ali Majid, continuing their investment in emerging fast-bowling options.

Emerging Category: Investing in the Future

The Emerging category renewals further highlighted the PSL’s role as a development platform for Pakistan’s next generation of cricketers.

Islamabad United retained all-rounders Saad Masood and Mohammad Shahzad, alongside wicketkeeper Ghazi Ghouri, maintaining their tradition of grooming young multi-skilled players.

Karachi Kings confirmed the retention of bowlers Riazullah and Fawad Ali, while wicketkeeper Saad Baig remains part of their emerging core.

Lahore Qalandars, known for their development structure, retained spinner Momin Qamar. Peshawar Zalmi locked in batter Abdullah Fazal, pacer Ali Raza, and batter Maaz Sadaqat, keeping their youth pipeline intact.

Multan Sultans retained fast bowler Shahid Aziz and wicketkeeper Mohammad Zulkifal, while Quetta Gladiators confirmed the emerging duo of Mohammad Zeeshan and batter Shamyl Hussain.

Eyes on the Auction Floor

With Silver and Emerging renewals completed, attention now firmly shifts to the HBL PSL 11 Player Auction on February 11. The confirmed retentions provide early indicators of franchise strategies — some prioritising squad stability, others leaving room for aggressive bidding in higher categories.

As eight teams prepare to reshape their squads, the confirmed renewals ensure that familiar faces and rising prospects will once again take centre stage, setting the tone for another competitive and talent-driven PSL season.