The Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 11 auction lit up Expo Centre Lahore on Tuesday, producing high-profile signings, surprise snubs, and intense bidding wars as franchises reshaped their squads for the upcoming season. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi attended the event, underscoring the league’s growing commercial and competitive significance.
Fast bowler Naseem Shah stole the spotlight by becoming the most expensive player of the auction so far, while several established international and domestic stars went unsold in a dramatic day of proceedings.
Naseem Shah Tops the Charts
Rawalpindi secured Pakistan pacer Naseem Shah for a staggering Rs 86.5 million (Rs 8 crore 65 lakh), making him the highest-priced player of the auction at this stage. The right-arm quick, known for his pace and ability to deliver in pressure situations, was at the center of a bidding contest before Rawalpindi sealed the deal.
Rawalpindi further strengthened their squad by signing New Zealand batter Daryl Mitchell for Rs 80.5 million and acquiring Bangladeshi spinner Rishad Hossain for Rs 30 million. The franchise also added experienced pacer Mohammad Amir for Rs 54 million, signaling a clear intent to build a balanced and competitive lineup.
Islamabad and Karachi Make Major Investments
Islamabad United made headlines by securing all-rounder Faheem Ashraf for Rs 85 million, marking one of the biggest deals of the day. The franchise also picked up young talent Mehran Mumtaz for Rs 12 million and Australian batter Max Bryant for Rs 19.5 million.
Karachi Kings were equally aggressive in their strategy. The franchise signed Australian opener David Warner for Rs 79 million, adding international firepower to their batting order. Wicketkeeper-batter Azam Khan joined Karachi for Rs 32.5 million, while Pakistan’s T20 captain Salman Ali Agha was brought in for Rs 58.5 million, further boosting the team’s leadership depth and middle-order strength.
Lahore Qalandars Retain Core Strength
Lahore Qalandars focused on reinforcing their pace attack and top order. They secured Haris Rauf for Rs 76 million and added leg-spinner Usama Mir for Rs 35 million. The franchise also signed Fakhar Zaman for Rs 79.5 million, ensuring continuity in their batting lineup.
In addition, Lahore picked up Haseebullah for Rs 11 million. However, English fast bowler Chris Jordan remained unsold, and Pakistan pacer Mohammad Hasnain did not attract a bid, reflecting the unpredictability of auction dynamics.
Quetta and Peshawar Bolster Squads
Quetta Gladiators were active participants, acquiring Khawaja Mohammad Nafay for Rs 65 million and Jahan Dad Khan for Rs 25 million. The franchise also signed Faisal Akram for Rs 12.5 million and Arafat Minhas for Rs 11 million, demonstrating a blend of youth and established performers.
Peshawar Zalmi strengthened their roster by signing Mohammad Haris for Rs 22 million and Khurram Shahzad for Rs 27 million, focusing on domestic talent to solidify their core.
Meanwhile, Sialkot Stallions secured Sahibzada Farhan for Rs 57 million and added Jahanzaib Sultan for Rs 6 million, aiming to enhance their batting depth.
International and Domestic Stars Go Unsold
The auction also produced notable surprises. Former Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan went unsold, as did West Indies batter Johnson Charles. New Zealand’s Colin Munro and England all-rounder Tom Curran failed to attract buyers.
Among Pakistani players, experienced all-rounder Imad Wasim did not find a team, nor did Iftikhar Ahmed. Pakistan Test captain Shan Masood also remained unsold, highlighting the shifting priorities of franchises focused on T20-specific skill sets.
Sri Lankan batter Kusal Perera was picked by Hyderabad Kingsmen for Rs 31 million, while Mohammad Ali joined the same franchise for Rs 21.5 million.
Auction Reflects Competitive Balance
The PSL 11 auction demonstrated the league’s financial muscle and strategic planning by franchises. With significant investments in both local and international talent, teams appear determined to strike a balance between star power and emerging players.
The presence of PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi at the venue reflected the board’s commitment to strengthening the league’s brand value and competitive integrity. PSL continues to serve as a key platform for Pakistani cricketers while attracting global talent.
As squads take shape, attention now turns to team combinations and on-field strategies. With record-breaking bids and unexpected omissions, PSL 11 promises to deliver intense competition and high-quality cricket.
Fans will now eagerly await the tournament’s kickoff, as franchises look to justify their auction investments and chase the coveted PSL title.
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