PSL 11 Set to Begin as Official Start Date Is Confirmed

The Pakistan Super League Governing Council has confirmed that the 11th edition of the PSL will begin on March 26, marking the start of what officials have described as a new phase for the tournament.

The decision was finalised during a high-level meeting held at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore, chaired by Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi. Representatives from all eight PSL franchises attended the meeting alongside senior PCB officials and members of the PSL management.

In addition to approving the start date, the governing council discussed a potential overhaul of the player recruitment system. League officials are considering introducing a hybrid model, informally referred to as a “drauction,” which would combine elements of both a draft and an auction. The PSL has operated under a draft-based system for its first ten seasons.

No final decision was reached on the recruitment format, and a working group has been formed to continue deliberations over the weekend. The governing council may reconvene if further consensus is required.

Discussions around the recruitment model have become more complex due to the planned inclusion of two new franchises from Hyderabad and Sialkot. The league is attempting to balance the interests of existing teams seeking player retentions with the need to provide new franchises a fair opportunity to sign top players.

Reports suggest that the incoming franchises favour fewer retentions and support an auction-style approach, while several current teams prefer retaining the draft system.

Further updates on the full match schedule, player registration windows, and squad-building timelines are expected as preparations for PSL 11 continue.