KEY POINTS
- Naseem Shah fetched record-shattering Rs86.5 million from Rawalpindi.
- Faheem Ashraf secured Rs85 million from Islamabad United.
- Karachi Kings assembled richest squad, landing David Warner, Salman Ali Agha, and Adam Zampa.
- Shock exclusions saw Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Imaad Wasim, and Shaan Masood walk away unsold.
LAHORE, Pakistan: Pakistan Super League made history on Wednesday as its first-ever player auction saw record-breaking bids, with young pace sensation Naseem Shah fetching Rs. 86.5 million to become the tournament’s highest-paid player.
The 11th edition’s transition from the traditional draft system to an all-out auction model transformed Lahore into cricketing’s version of Wall Street, with franchise owners flashing their wallets like never before.
When the gavel finally fell, Rawalpindi had secured the tournament’s highest-ever bid, leaving established stars and international icons trailing in Naseem’s wake.
Top five: PSL 11’s richest recruits
Player Team Winning Bid (Rs)
Naseem Shah Rawalpindi 86.5 million
Faheem Ashraf Islamabad United 85 million
Daryl Mitchell Rawalpindi 80.5 million
Fakhar Zaman Lahore Qalandars 79.5 million
David Warner Karachi Kings 79 million
- All figures in Pakistani Rupees
The new Rawalpindi franchise get Naseem Shah!
PSL Auction updates: https://t.co/y8vUe0N0YC pic.twitter.com/CLUtsKzdcx
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) February 11, 2026
Naseem Shah: The Crown Jewel
The auction reached its crescendo when 22-year-old Naseem Shah’s name appeared on the screen. Karachi Kings fired the opening salvo at Rs65 million. Islamabad United countered at Rs66.5 million. The two heavyweights traded blows, each bid climbing higher until Rawalpindi, silent until the perfect moment, pounced with an audacious Rs86.5 million.
For a bowler whose raw pace once troubled Australia as a teenager, the payday represents both vindication and investment.
Rawalpindi didn’t just acquire wicket-taking ability; they secured a marquee attraction who fills stadiums and commands television close-ups.
Faheem, Warner, Mitchell, Fakhar Join Elite Club
Faheem Ashraf emerged as the second-highest-paid player in PSL 11, commanding a staggering 85 million rupees from Islamabad United.
The explosive all-rounder, who famously single-handedly won Pakistan’s T20 World Cup opener against the Netherlands with a breathtaking match-winning knock, continues to be valued as one of the country’s most bankable white-ball assets.
Lahore Qalandars fought ferociously to retain their crown jewel Fakhar Zaman, eventually outlasting Peshawar Zalmi with a Rs79.5 million bid.
The explosive left-hander, capable of dismantling any attack on his day, remained in familiar colours, but at an unfamiliar price.
Rawalpindi, undeterred by their Naseem expenditure, plunged deep again for New Zealand’s Daryl Mitchell.
The World Cup final hero commanded Rs80.5 million, the tournament’s third-highest bid, underscoring how franchises now value proven international performers.
David Warner, whose explosive prime illuminated global T20 leagues, found a new home at Karachi Kings for Rs79 million.
The Australian veteran endured a tense bidding duel with Peshawar before Karachi secured their statement signing.
Haris Rauf returns to Lahore roots
Lahore Qalandars refused to be separated from their premier fast bowler. When Rawalpindi challenged at Rs74.5 million, Lahore swiftly countered at Rs76 million and closed the deal.
Rauf’s romance with the Qalandars continues, now with a contract reflecting his status as Pakistan’s premier T20 speedster.
Islamabad also secured New Zealand’s Mark Chapman (Rs70 million) and Mohammad Waseem Jr (Rs41 million), assembling a formidable middle-order nucleus.
Karachi Kings assemble star-studded cast
No franchise shopped more aggressively than Karachi Kings. Their haul reads like a dream XI selection:
David Warner — Rs79 million
Salman Ali Agha — Rs58.5 million (secured after intense battle with Islamabad)
Azam Khan — Rs32.5 million
Adam Zampa — Winning bid undisclosed
Mir Hamza — Rs24 million
Shahid Aziz — Rs9.25 million
Pakistan’s white-ball captain Salman Ali Agha will don Karachi colours after a fierce bidding contest saw Islamabad United push Karachi to their limit. The elegant right-hander arrives with a Rs58.5 million price tag befitting his national leadership status.
Quetta, Sialkot make their presence felt
Quetta Gladiators identified Khawaja Mohammad Nafay as their priority target and secured the promising batter for Rs. 65 million, a significant statement from a franchise rebuilding for the new era.
Sialkot Stallionz, one of two expansion franchises, announced their arrival by bagging Sahibzada Farhan for Rs57 million after outlasting Karachi Kings.
The Stallionz also secured Australian duo Ashton Turner (Rs42 million) and Peter Siddle (Rs25 million), alongside spinner Tabraiz Shamsi (Rs22 million).
Muhammad Amir finds Rawalpindi home
The comeback story continued as Muhammad Amir, returning to Pakistan’s international fold after a four-year exile, secured a Rs54 million contract with Rawalpindi.
The left-arm swing bowler, once the tournament’s poster boy, now has a fresh platform to remind everyone of his enduring class.
UNSOLD!!!!!!!!#PSLAuction #PSL11 #cricket pic.twitter.com/Z7sEMuZDu8
— Urooj Jawed🇵🇰 (@uroojjawed12) February 11, 2026
The unsold XI: Stars left standing
For all the spending, several prominent names watched the auction pass them by without a single bid:
Imaad Wasim — No takers at Rs42 million
Mehidy Hasan Miraz — Unsold at Rs11 million
Shaan Masood — Zero bids
Tom Curran — Unsold
David Willey — Unsold
James Vince — Unsold
William Sutherland — No bids at Rs42 million
Dinesh Chandimal — Unsold
Johnson Charles — Unsold
Kusal Mendis — Unsold
Chris Jordan — Unsold
Muhammad Hasnain — Unsold
The sight of Bangladesh’s World Cup hero Mehidy Hasan Miraz failing to attract interest underscored the brutal economics of franchise auctions. Reputation guarantees nothing. Currency speaks.
New era, new rules, new money
PSL Chief Executive Salman Naseer addressed the gathering before bidding commenced, acknowledging the monumental shift underway.
“When the HBL PSL X ended, and the euphoria died down a little, all commercial contracts had come to an end,” Naseer said.
“Monumental challenges lie ahead. The PSL and PCB teams have burned midnight oil day in and day out to get us where we are today.”
The numbers justify the effort. Over 800 players registered for the auction. Franchises operated with expanded purses of Rs450 million, extendable to Rs505 million for directly signed foreign players.
Two-year deals and retention roadmap
Under the new model, players acquired at auction receive two-year contracts with their franchises. For PSL 12, teams may retain a maximum of seven players. A “grand auction” will follow PSL 12, after which each franchise can retain only five players.
The tournament’s expansion to eight teams, welcoming Hyderabad Houston Kingsmen and Sialkot Stallionz, has injected fresh capital and competitive urgency into the league.
Hyderabad made an immediate impression, snatching fast bowler Muhammad Ali from Rawalpindi’s grasp with a last-minute Rs21.5 million bid.
PSL 11: Dates and context
The 11th Pakistan Super League is scheduled from March 26 to May 3. With expanded franchise rosters, mandatory Under-23 player requirements, and a minimum of three foreign players in every playing XI, the tournament promises its most competitive edition yet.
