Naseem Shah tops PSL 11 auction as most expensive local player

LAHORE: Pakistan’s leading domestic cricketers attracted massive bids at the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 players’ auction, with franchises investing heavily in proven performers and emerging stars ahead of the new season.

Rawalpindi made the biggest statement by signing fast bowler Naseem Shah for PKR 8.65 crore, making him the most expensive local player of the auction.

Islamabad United were not far behind, securing all-rounder Faheem Ashraf for PKR 8.50 crore, while Lahore Qalandars retained Fakhar Zaman for PKR 7.95 crore and Haris Rauf for PKR 7.6 crore in two of the most notable deals.

Quetta Gladiators showed strong faith in young batter Khawaja Mohammad Nafay, who earned PKR 6.5 crore, whereas Karachi Kings invested PKR 5.85 crore in Salman Ali Agha. Rawalpindi further strengthened their squad by signing Mohammad Amir for PKR 5.4 crore.

Among other significant acquisitions, Islamabad United picked up Mohammad Wasim Jr for PKR 4.10 crore, while Lahore Qalandars secured Usama Mir for PKR 3.5 crore.

Karachi Kings signed Azam Khan for PKR 3.25 crore. Sahibzada Farhan joined Sialkot Stallionz for PKR 5.70 crore, underlining his growing stature in domestic cricket.

Several players secured deals in the PKR 2–3 crore bracket. Ubaid Shah and Khurram Shahzad were both signed for PKR 2.70 crore, while Mir Hamza and Asif Afridi fetched PKR 2.4 crore each.

Mohammad Haris was acquired for PKR 2.20 crore, Imad Wasim for PKR 2.2 crore, and Mohammad Ali for PKR 2.15 crore. Muhammad Irfan Khan earned PKR 2.9 crore, while Jahandad Khan secured PKR 2.5 crore.

In the mid-range category, Sameer Minhas received PKR 1.90 crore, Aamir Jamal PKR 1.9 crore, Hassan Khan PKR 1.85 crore and Iftikhar Ahmed PKR 1.80 crore.

Haider Ali signed for PKR 1.50 crore, Faisal Akram for PKR 1.25 crore, Mehran Mumtaz for PKR 1.2 crore and both Haseebullah Khan and Arafat Minhas for PKR 1.1 crore.

Muhammad Waseem also earned PKR 1.1 crore, while Momin Qamar secured PKR 1.075 crore and Ihsanullah PKR 1.05 crore.

Among the emerging and developing talents, Shahid Aziz fetched PKR 92.5 lacs, Khuzaima Bin Tanveer PKR 90 lacs, Amad Butt PKR 80 lacs, Mohammad Hasnain and Wasim Akram Jnr PKR 77.5 lacs each, Mir Hamza Sajjad PKR 70 lacs, Abdullah Fazal PKR 67.5 lacs and Saud Shakeel and Kamran Ghulam PKR 65 lacs each.

A large group of domestic players, including Mohammad Farooq, Asif Ali, Tayyab Tahir, Rizwanullah, Sameen Gul, Khalid Usman, Nahid Rana, Mirza Tahir Baig, Khan Zaib, Bismillah Khan, Saqib Khan, Fawad Ali, Mohammad Amir Khan, Shahzaib Khan, Jahanzaib Sultan, Muhammad Awais Zafar, Shayan Jahangir, Hammad Azam, Sharjeel Khan, Asif Mehmood, Hunain Shah, Rizwan Mehmood, Saad Ali and Tayyab Arif, were signed for PKR 60 lacs each, while Abdul Subhan and Mohammad Hamza Sohail earned PKR 62.5 lacs.