expectation for Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026 The league has reached a fever pitch as it enters a whole new era. For the first time in history, the tournament moved from the draft to a player auction system, and the league expanded to include an additional eight franchises. Hyderabad and Sialkot Stallions.
PSL 2026: Teams announce their retention ahead of historic player auction
Under the new auction framework, retention rules have been significantly tightened to ensure a fair balance for the two new franchises. Existing teams were allowed to retain the maximum four playerswith a strict limit of one player per category. This ‘reset’ led to some of the most dramatic roster changes in league history, as several franchises had to release longtime superstars into the auction pool in order to manage their salary caps.
These decisions highlight a bold strategic shift, prioritizing the core leadership team while maintaining maximum financial flexibility for the company. February 11 auction. With the draft period officially closed, teams are now gearing up for an intense bidding war to complete their rosters for season 11.
Pakistan Super League: Complete list of players retained by franchises ahead of PSL 2026 auction
1. Islamabad United
Three-time champions Islamabad United maintain a decade-long association with the skipper Shadab Khan. However, new auction rules make them difficult to issue, incl Nasim Shah and Azam Khan. United enter the auction with a core of three players, with an emphasis on experience and a versatile outfield option. Andries Gous.
- Platinum: Shadab Khan (Captain)
- Gold: Salman Irshad
- Silver: Andries Gous
2. Sultans of Multan
In the most shocking move of the save window, Sultans of Multan decided to keep zero players. Releasing his entire crew, including last year’s captain Mohammad RizvanThe Sultans will go into the 2026 auction with a purse worth US$1.6 million and will aim to create an entirely new identity from scratch.
Retentions: None (Full cast released)
3. Peshawar Zalmi
Peshawar Zalmi successfully ‘shut down’ the league’s most prolific goalscorer, Babar Azam. In case they have to part ways with the speaker Saim Ayub On a per-category basis, Zalmi has provided a mix of elite leadership and high-potential youngsters, especially in the emerging ladder. But Reza.
- Platinum: Babar Azam (Captain)
- Diamond: Sufiyan Mugim
- Gold: Abdul Samad
- Created by: But Reza
Also READ: Pakistan Super League adds two teams for 2026 edition; see record prices and new owners
4. Quetta Gladiators
Gladiators signaled a tactical change by retaining the mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed on the top tier. Their list reflects the commitment to reward and maintain internal consistency Osman Tariq and hopeful Hasan Nawaz. Quetta enters the auction to cover this spin-heavy core with veteran pace.
- Platinum: Abrar Ahmed
- Diamond: Osman Tariq
- Gold: Hasan Nawaz
- Created by: Shamil Huseyn
5. Karachi Kings
Karachi Kings dominated their bowling attack by retaining the league’s leading wicket-taker. Hasan Alialong with the death bowling specialist Abbas Afridi. With insurance Khushdil shah In the gold category, the Kings retained a reliable domestic all-rounder while keeping their spots open for strong overseas batsmen in the auction.
- Platinum: Hasan Ali
- Diamond: Abbas Afridi
- Gold: Khushdil shah
- Created by: Saad Baig
6. Potters of Lahore
The Lahore Qalandars have maintained the “triple captain” legacy Shaheen Afridi In the Platinum category. Despite losing Haris Rauf and Fakhar Zaman to the auction pool, successfully saved Abdullah Shafiq and world class Sikandar Razaensuring they remain a formidable force.
- Platinum: Shaheen Afridi (captain)
- Diamond: Abdullah Shafiq
- Gold: Sikandar Raza
- Silver: Mohammad Naim
Also READ: Glenn Maxwell, Harry Brook and Faf du Plessis out of PSL 2026 – Reports
