PCB updates PSL 11 player categories ahead of auction

The Pakistan Cricket Board has officially revised PSL 11 player categories, announcing promotions and retentions ahead of the upcoming Pakistan Super League season. The update, released in Lahore on Wednesday, outlines changes to local player rankings and confirms the league’s first-ever player auction scheduled for February 11.

PCB confirms player promotions and retention rules

The PCB confirmed that 89 local players have been assigned new PSL 11 player categories, with five cricketers promoted to the top Platinum bracket. Pakistan T20I captain Salman Ali Agha leads the list, alongside Sahibzada Farhan, Mohammad Nawaz, Hasan Ali, and Abrar Ahmed. Except for Farhan, who moved up from Gold, the remaining players were promoted from the Diamond category.

Under revised rules, each franchise can retain a maximum of four players, with only one allowed from each category. After the retention process concludes, teams will complete their squads through the player auction, marking a structural shift aimed at increasing competition balance.

Several established stars, including Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, Fakhar Zaman, and Haris Rauf, retained their Platinum status following strong performances in the previous season.

Category distribution across franchises

The Diamond category features 11 players spread across five teams, while 32 players have been placed in Gold. Movements were also noted in lower tiers, with Mohammad Salman Mirza, Sufyan Moqim, and Mohammad Wasim Jr advancing to Diamond, and several Emerging players earning Silver or Gold promotions.

The PCB said the renewals reflect recent performances and long-term potential, reinforcing transparency in player evaluation. Franchises and fans are now expected to focus on retention strategies as anticipation builds for the PSL 11 auction.