anticipation of pakistan super league (psl) 2026 As the league enters a new era, it has reached a peak. For the first time in history, the tournament has moved from a draft to a player auction system, and the league has expanded to include eight franchises. Hyderabad And Sialkot Stallions.
PSL 2026: Teams announce retention ahead of historic player auction
Under the new auction structure, the retention rules were significantly tightened to ensure a fair balance for the two new franchises. Existing teams were allowed to retain a maximum four playersWith a strict limit of one player per category. This ‘reset’ has led to some of the most dramatic roster changes in league history, as many franchises had to release long-standing superstars into the auction pool in order to manage their salary cap.
These decisions highlight a bold strategic shift that prioritizes a core leadership group while maintaining maximum financial flexibility 11 February auction. With the draft era officially closed, teams are now preparing for an intense bidding war to complete their teams for the 11th season.
Pakistan Super League: Complete list of players retained by franchises ahead of PSL 2026 auction
1.Islamabad United
Three-time champions Islamabad United continue their decade-long relationship with the captain Shadab Khan. However, new auction rules forced them into tougher releases, including Naseem Shah And Azam Khan. United are entering the auction with three players, focusing on experience and a versatile foreign option Andries Gus.
- platinum: Shadab Khan (captain)
- Sleep: salman irshad
- silver: Andries Gus
2. Multan Sultan
In the most surprising move of the retention window, Multan Sultan Opted to retain zero players. By releasing his entire team including last year’s captain. Mohammad RizwanSultans will enter the 2026 auction with a purse of a whopping US$1.6 million, aiming to create a completely new identity from the ground up.
Retention: None (whole team released)
3. Peshawar Zalmi
Peshawar Zalmi Have successfully ‘locked in’ the league’s most prolific run-scorer, Babar Azam. While they had to separate from the dynamic Saim Ayyub Due to the one-per-category rule, Zalmi has acquired a mix of elite leadership and high-potential youngsters, particularly emerging fast bowlers. Ali Raza.
- platinum: Babar Azam (Captain)
- Diamond: Sufiyan Muqeem
- Sleep: Abdul Samad
- Emerging: Ali Raza
Also read: Pakistan Super League added two teams for the 2026 edition; Check out record prices and new owners
4. Quetta Gladiators
Gladiators signal a tactical change by retaining mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed At the top level. His list reflects a commitment to rewarding growth while maintaining domestic stability Osman Tariq and promising Hasan Nawaz. Quetta enters the auction looking to surround this spin-heavy core with experienced pace.
- platinum: Abrar Ahmed
- Diamond: Osman Tariq
- Sleep: Hasan Nawaz
- Emerging: Shamil Hussain
5. Karachi Kings
Karachi Kings have prioritized their bowling attack by retaining the league’s leading wicket-taker. Hasan AliWith a death-bowling expert Abbas Afridi. by securing happy shah In the Gold category, the Kings have kept a reliable domestic all-rounder while keeping their slots open for heavy-hitting overseas batsmen in the auction.
- platinum: Hasan Ali
- Diamond: Abbas Afridi
- Sleep: happy shah
- Emerging: Saad Baig
6. Lahore Qalandars
Defending their ‘Triple-Captain’ legacy, Lahore Qalandars have retained Shaheen Afridi In the platinum category. despite losing Haris Rauf And Fakhar Zaman In the auction pool, he has successfully placed Abdullah Shafiq and world class Sikandar RazaEnsuring that they remain a formidable force.
- platinum: Shaheen Afridi (Captain)
- Diamond: Abdullah Shafiq
- Sleep: Sikandar Raza
- silver: Mohammad Naeem
Also read: Glenn Maxwell, Harry Brook and Faf du Plessis pull out of PSL 2026 – report
