Lahore: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) organized a workshop at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore to prepare for the first-ever HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) Player Auction. Key figures such as PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, PSL CEO Salman Naseer, officials, franchise representatives, and prominent players attended the event. The session, aimed at fine-tuning the auction process, concluded with a consensus that the auction will be held on February 11.

According to Pakistan Cricket Board, the workshop featured a comprehensive presentation on the auction mechanics, including player retention and the bidding process. The base prices for players were disclosed, with the top bracket set at PKR 4.2 crore. Incremental bid amounts were established, allowing franchises to bid in Pakistan Rupees. The auction will enable teams to form squads of 16 to 20 players, including up to seven foreign players.

Players selected will be offered two-year contracts, with franchises permitted to retain players for future editions. Each team can also directly sign one foreign player who has not participated in the previous PSL season, with financial support from the PCB to secure elite talent. The franchise budget has been set at PKR 45 crore, extendable to PKR 50.5 crore for including direct foreign signings.

Both Naqvi and Naseer expressed optimism about the new auction system, highlighting its potential to enhance the league’s competitiveness and financial viability. The workshop underscored the PCB's commitment to fostering transparency and fairness in the player recruitment process, aligning with the league's evolving dynamics and fan expectations.