ISLAMABAD: Former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Ramiz Raja has called for a significant overhaul of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), urging the PCB to move towards an auction-based system for player recruitment rather than sticking with the current draft format.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Raja emphasised the need for the PCB to explore various approaches to attract top-tier international players to the tournament. He argued that the PSL must evolve to remain competitive with other leading global cricket leagues.
“In my view, the PSL would benefit from adopting an auction model, especially as we are competing with other leagues around the world. To become the best, we must attract the best talent,” he stated.
Raja proposed that if a full auction system is not feasible at present, the PCB should at least implement an auction for the top-category players, allowing franchises the opportunity to bid for star names.
Auction system
“My suggestion is that if the PCB cannot immediately adopt a complete auction system for the entire PSL, then at the very least the elite players should be chosen through an auction. This would ensure top-quality options are available for franchises to acquire,” he added.
The former cricketer also underlined the vital role of domestic talent, noting that the PSL’s ongoing success is largely driven by the performances of local players.
He stressed the importance of Pakistani players excelling under pressure and contributing significantly during matches.
“Leagues thrive on the strength of domestic talent. Our local players must rise to the occasion—our batsmen need to score runs, our bowlers must take wickets, and everyone must learn to handle high-pressure situations effectively,” he said.
Raja concluded by encouraging the PCB to consider transitioning the PSL to an auction model in the near future to secure its continued success and enhance its standing on the global stage.
