PSL Creates History as First-Ever Players’ Auction Gets Underway in Lahore
**Islamabad:** The Pakistan Super League (PSL) marked a historic milestone as its first-ever players’ auction was held at the Expo Centre in Lahore, featuring more than 800 local and international cricketers.
Each franchise is set to form a squad comprising 16 to 20 players from the registered pool. In a major development, Multan Sultans will now compete under new ownership and a new name, “Rawalpindi,” in the upcoming edition.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi received a warm welcome from franchise owners upon his arrival at the ceremony. He presented special customized T20 World Cup 2026 “Markhor” jerseys to franchise representatives as souvenirs.
The auction began with Islamabad United securing Pakistani all-rounder Faheem Ashraf for Rs85 million. Naseem Shah emerged as one of the most expensive picks, joining Rawalpindi for Rs86.5 million, while David Warner was bought by Karachi Kings for Rs79 million. Daryl Mitchell was acquired by Rawalpindi for Rs80.5 million, and Fakhar Zaman was retained by Lahore Qalandars for Rs79.5 million.
Karachi Kings signed Salman Ali Agha for Rs58.5 million and Riley Rossouw was picked by Quetta Gladiators for Rs55.5 million. Lahore Qalandars brought back Haris Rauf for Rs76 million, while Quetta secured Khawaja Nafay for Rs65 million.
Among other notable signings, Mohammad Amir joined Rawalpindi for Rs54 million, Sahibzada Farhan was picked by Sialkot Stallions for Rs57 million, and Adam Zampa was bought by Karachi Kings for Rs45 million. Ashton Turner went to Sialkot Stallions for Rs42 million, while Tabraiz Shamsi and Peter Siddle were also drafted by Sialkot.
New franchise Hyderabad Kingsmen secured several players, including Mohammad Ali (Rs21.5 million), Hassan Khan (Rs18.5 million), and Otniel Baartman (Rs11 million). Peshawar Zalmi signed Aamir Jamal (Rs19 million), Khurram Shehzad (Rs27 million), and later picked up Iftikhar Ahmed for Rs18 million.
Several prominent players initially went unsold in early rounds, including Imad Wasim, Saud Shakeel, Kamran Ghulam, Chris Jordan, Mohammad Hasnain, and Shan Masood, though some were later picked in subsequent rounds.
Other international signings included Mark Chapman (Islamabad United, Rs70 million), James Neesham, Michael Bracewell, and Kusal Mendis, who were eventually drafted after the break. Johnson Charles joined Karachi Kings for Rs20 million.
The auction continued in multiple rounds, with franchises strategically completing their squads ahead of the new PSL season, setting the stage for what promises to be one of the most competitive editions in the league’s history.
