PSL 11: Karachi Kings, Islamabad United confirm retentions | The Express Tribune

Karachi Kings and Islamabad United have both confirmed their retained players ahead of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 players’ auction, scheduled to be held on February 11, as franchises adapt to a major change in the league’s player selection system.

For the first time in PSL history, the traditional draft has been replaced by an auction-based model, significantly reshaping how teams build their squads and forcing tougher retention decisions.

Fifth-edition champions Karachi Kings announced their retained players on Tuesday, confirming four names from different categories, in line with the revised PSL 11 regulations.

A total of 16 players were initially placed across categories by the franchise. The Platinum category featured captain David Warner and fast bowler Hasan Ali, while Abbas Afridi and Shan Masood were listed in the Diamond category.

Three-time champions Islamabad United also confirmed their retentions as they prepare for PSL 11, navigating the same new rules that limit franchises to four retained players, compared to the previous allowance of up to eight across the first 10 seasons.

Islamabad placed 15 players across categories. The Platinum category included captain Shadab Khan, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Ali Agha, Mohammad Nawaz and Imad Wasim, while no players were listed in the Diamond category.

The reduced retention limit under the new PSL auction system has added pressure on all franchises, including Islamabad United, to balance loyalty, team structure and budget constraints ahead of the February 11 auction.

The shift from a draft to an auction marks a significant evolution for the Pakistan Super League, aimed at increasing competitiveness and giving players greater market value. With PSL 11 approaching, the confirmed retentions by Karachi Kings and Islamabad United offer the first clear signals of how teams are planning to shape their squads in this new era.