LAHORE: The first-ever PSL 11 player auction took place in Lahore on Wednesday, with fast bowler Naseem Shah sold to Rawalpindi for Rs86.5 million — the highest bid of the auction. The PSL 11 player auction also saw major stars like David Warner, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, and Salman Ali Agha being snapped up by the franchises.
The auction replaced the previous draft system, giving teams more flexibility to build their squads strategically. PSL 11 player auction witnessed intense bidding wars, especially for top all-rounders and international stars.
Islamabad United secured Faheem Ashraf (Rs85m), Mark Chapman (Rs70m), Imad Wasim (Rs22m), and Haider Ali (Rs15m), strengthening their squad in the PSL 11 player auction. Karachi Kings won the bidding for Salman Ali Agha (Rs58.5m) and David Warner (Rs79m), while Lahore Qalandars retained Fakhar Zaman (Rs79.5m) and Haris Rauf (Rs76m).
Other teams also made key purchases: Sialkot Stallionz picked Sahibzada Farhan (Rs57m) and Josh Philippe (Rs23m), Quetta Gladiators acquired Khawaja Mohammad Nafay (Rs65m) and Tom Curran (Rs42m), and Rawalpindi secured Naseem Shah and Daryl Mitchell (Rs80.5m). Peshawar Zalmi added James Vince (Rs30m) and Michael Bracewell (Rs42m), while Hyderabad Houston Kingsmen grabbed Mohammad Ali (Rs21.5m) and Riley Meredith (Rs42m).
Several players remained unsold during the PSL 11 player auction, including Shakib Al Hasan, Usman Khawaja, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, and Dinesh Chandimal.
PSL CEO Salman Naseer said the auction marked a new era for the league, which will feature eight franchises this year, including new teams Hyderabad and Sialkot. The tournament is scheduled from March 26 to May 3.