PSL auction ahead as all six existing franchises confirm retentions; Multan Sultans opt for complete overhaul

Pakistan Super League franchises have announced their retained players ahead of the league’s first-ever player auction, scheduled for February 11, with several high-profile cricketers secured in the Platinum category. Babar Azam of Peshawar Zalmi, Shaheen Shah Afridi of Lahore Qalandars, Islamabad United captain Shadab Khan, Quetta Gladiators spinner Abrar Ahmed, and Karachi Kings pacer Hasan Ali headline the list of top-tier retentions.

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Multan Sultans emerged as the biggest talking point of the retention window after becoming the only franchise not to retain a single player. The decision included releasing their captain Mohammad Rizwan, indicating a complete reset ahead of the auction and making them the team with the largest purse and maximum flexibility going into the next phase of squad building.

Among the remaining franchises, Peshawar Zalmi, Lahore Qalandars, Quetta Gladiators and Karachi Kings retained four players each, while Islamabad United opted to retain three. The two newly introduced teams, Sialkot Stallionz and Hyderabad, are yet to announce their retentions and are expected to do so by February 7.

Lahore Qalandars retained Shaheen Shah Afridi in the Platinum category alongside Abdullah Shafique in Diamond, Sikandar Raza in Gold, and Mohammad Naeem in Silver. Quetta Gladiators prioritised spin by retaining Abrar Ahmed in Platinum and Usman Tariq in Diamond, with Hasan Nawaz and emerging batter Shamyl Hussain completing their list.

Peshawar Zalmi confirmed Babar Azam as their Platinum retention, supported by Sufiyan Muqeem, Abdul Samad and emerging player Ali Raza. Islamabad United, meanwhile, retained Shadab Khan as their sole Platinum pick, with Salman Irshad and USA wicketkeeper-batter Andries Gous retained in the Gold and Silver categories respectively, notably skipping the Emerging category.

Karachi Kings retained Hasan Ali in the Platinum category and were joined by Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Khushdil Shah and emerging wicketkeeper Saad Baig. All retained and auction-picked players will sign two-year contracts with their respective franchises, with teams permitted to select squads of 16 to 20 players, including five to seven overseas cricketers and at least one local Under-23 player yet to play in the PSL.

Each franchise will operate with an auction purse of PKR 450 million, which can be increased to PKR 505 million to allow for one direct signing outside the auction. Sialkot Stallionz have already exercised this option by signing Australia’s Steven Smith, adding further intrigue ahead of what promises to be a landmark PSL auction.