Web Desk: The Pakistan Super League (PSL) launched its first-ever players auction in Lahore on Wednesday, with franchises bidding aggressively to finalise their squads for the tournament’s 11th edition.
Islamabad United placed the highest bid of Rs 85 million to secure all-rounder Faheem Ashraf, making him one of the most expensive signings of the event.
Karachi Kings signed Australian opener David Warner for Rs 79 million , while Quetta Gladiators acquired South Africa’s Rilee Rossouw for Rs 55.5 million. Meanwhile, Hussain Talat, Saud Shakeel Imad Wasim and Ihsanullah were not picked by any franchise. Lahore Qalandars bolstered their pace attack by signing Haris Rauf for Rs 76 million.
The auction, underway at the Expo Centre Lahore, allows each of the league’s eight teams to assemble squads of between 16 and 21 players. Tournament regulations require a minimum of five overseas players in a 16-member squad and up to seven in a 21-member lineup. Additionally, each squad must include at least two under-23 players.
A total of 880 domestic and international cricketers have registered for the auction. Each franchise has a budget of 505 million rupees ($approx.), which includes spending on retained and directly signed players.
Islamabad United set the tone early by securing all-rounder Faheem Ashraf for 85 million rupees, the highest bid of the auction so far. Meanwhile, Karachi Kings signed Australian opener David Warner for 79 million rupees in one of the headline overseas deals.
Following the initial bidding, Islamabad United retained the largest remaining purse at 346 million rupees. Karachi Kings have 322.6 million rupees left, while Lahore Qalandars hold 313.6 million rupees to complete their roster.
The Pakistan Super League has set revised base prices for players across categories in the ongoing auction, with Platinum players listed at PKR 42 million, Diamond at PKR 22 million and Gold at PKR 11 million. Meanwhile, players in the Silver and Emerging categories carry a base price of 6 million.
Teams will continue bidding throughout the event as they seek to balance star power with emerging talent under the revised squad composition rules. The PSL’s shift to an open auction format marks a significant change in the league’s recruitment strategy as it prepares for its next season.
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