Player retention, ‘drauction’ system top agenda at key PSL Governing Council meeting

LAHORE: Player retention policies and the proposed hybrid 'drauction' system dominated discussions as the Governing Council of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) met at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) on Friday . 

The meeting was chaired by Paistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and attended by representatives of all eight PSL franchises, along with PCB and PSL officials.

The session began with the PCB Chairman and council members congratulating and welcoming the new team owners of Sialkot and Hyderabad to the PSL family. 

The council also praised the successful conduct of the New Teams Auction, terming it a key milestone that reflected the league’s continued growth and evolution.

Extensive deliberations were held on several critical matters, including the schedule for PSL 11, player retentions, the possible adoption of a full auction system or a hybrid model combining auction and draft — referred to as a 'drauction' — as well as the option of allowing direct player signings.

It was confirmed during the meeting that PSL 11 will begin on Thursday, March 26, ushering in what officials described as a new era for the league, with fans, players and stakeholders eagerly anticipating the upcoming season.

The meeting concluded with the formation of a working group that will reconvene on Saturday to further examine the agenda items. 

The Governing Council will meet again as necessary following the working group’s recommendations.

This season marks a milestone for the league, as it expands from six to eight teams with the inclusion of new franchises from Sialkot and Hyderabad.

The historic PSL 2026 auction, held at the Jinnah Convention Centre on Thursday, saw FKS Group and OZ Developers secure ownership of the new franchises for Rs1.75 billion and Rs1.85 billion, respectively.