Daijiworld Media Network - Islamabad

Islamabad, Jan 19: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced sweeping structural reforms in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), with a player auction system set to replace the draft format that has been in place since the league’s inception in 2016.

As part of the changes ahead of the 11th edition of the league, the PCB has increased the total franchise purse for player acquisition to USD 1.6 million from the earlier USD 1.3 million. PSL Chief Executive Officer Salman Naseer said the reforms are aimed at strengthening the league’s growth, competitiveness and commitment to innovation.

“The PSL will now transition from a draft to a players’ auction system, which should increase transparency and enhance the competitive balance of teams in the league,” Naseer said, adding that the move would also provide players with greater earning opportunities.

Under the new framework, each franchise will be allowed to retain a maximum of four players, restricted to one player per category. Earlier, teams could retain up to eight players, along with provisions for a mentor, brand ambassador and a ‘right to match’ option to retain an additional player.

The PCB has abolished the mentor, brand ambassador and right to match provisions under the revamped structure.

Naseer further said that the two new franchises, Hyderabad and Sialkot, will be permitted to select four players from the available player pool prior to the main auction. In addition, each franchise will be allowed one direct signing of a foreign player who did not feature in PSL 10, giving teams an opportunity to bolster their squads with new international talent.

The 11th edition of the Pakistan Super League is scheduled to begin on March 26, with Faisalabad added to the list of host venues.