The Pakistan Super League’s first-ever player auction is nine days away, yet five of the six established franchises have already nailed down the core of their squads. Peshawar Zalmi, Lahore Qalandars, Quetta Gladiators, Islamabad United and Karachi Kings each confirmed at least three retentions in advance of the 11 February auction, while Multan Sultans have opted for a full reset and released everyone, including captain Mohammad Rizwan.
“We simply felt the squad needed fresh energy,” a senior Sultans official said. “Rizwan’s been brilliant for us, but a clean sheet gives us maximum flexibility at the auction.”
Key retentions at a glance
• Platinum category: Babar Azam (Zalmi), Shaheen Shah Afridi (Qalandars), Shadab Khan (United), Abrar Ahmed (Gladiators), Hasan Ali (Kings).
• No Platinum hold for Multan; Rizwan heads to the auction pool.
• Two new franchises, Sialkot Stallionz and Hyderabad, have until 7 February to declare their lists.
Why Multan blinked
The Sultans’ decision is easily the boldest. Rizwan has led them to two finals in three seasons, so letting him walk is a calculated risk. Analyst Aalia Rasheed notes, “It could be genius if they land two marquee names on auction day, but the downside is obvious—there’s no guarantee they’ll get Rizwan back.”
Lahore keep faith with pace and poise
Unswayed by speculation, the Qalandars locked in Shaheen once more. The captain was typically understated: “Staying with Lahore just felt right.” He will be joined by Abdullah Shafique (Diamond), Sikandar Raza (Gold) and youngster Mohammad Naeem (Silver). Team director Sameen Rana explained, “We wanted a balanced spine—Shaheen’s new-ball threat, Abdullah’s calm at three, Raza’s all-round smarts, and Naeem’s raw pace.”
Quetta double down on spin
Spin dominates the Gladiators’ thinking. Mystery spinner Abrar and left-armer Usman Tariq occupy their top two slots. Coach Moin Khan said, “On UAE pitches last year we lacked variety; Abrar and Usman should fix that.” Hasan Nawaz (Gold) and emerging left-hander Shamyl Hussain round out Quetta’s quartet.
Zalmi stick with Babar
Babar Azam remains Zalmi’s marquee name. “Keeping Babar was a straightforward call—he’s our anchor and leader,” bowling coach Mohammad Akram remarked. The franchise also retained wrist-spinner Sufiyan Muqeem (Diamond), power-hitter Abdul Samad (Gold) and teen seamer Ali Raza (Emerging).
United go small but sharp
Islamabad United chose just three retentions: all-rounder-captain Shadab in Platinum, speedster Salman Irshad in Gold and USA wicketkeeper-batter Andries Gous in Silver. “We didn’t want to block too many spots,” general manager Rehan ul Haq told local radio. “Flexibility on auction day can be worth more than a fourth retention.”
Kings trust Hasan Ali’s resurgence
Hasan Ali heads Karachi’s list after rediscovering his zip last season. They also kept seamer Abbas Afridi (Diamond), finisher Khushdil Shah (Gold) and U-19 wicketkeeper Saad Baig (Emerging). “Hasan brings energy on and off the field,” skipper Imad Wasim noted. “That matters in a long tournament.”
Auction rules in brief
• Each squad: 16-20 players.
• Overseas quota: 5-7.
• One under-23 local (non-PSL debutant) compulsory.
• Base purse: PKR 450 million, extendable to 505 million for one direct signing outside the auction.
Sialkot seize Smith
Newcomers Sialkot Stallionz have already exercised the direct-signing clause, securing Steven Smith. Team mentor Shoaib Malik was succinct: “If you can bring in a player of Steve’s calibre, you do it.”
What to watch next
All eyes now turn to Hyderabad and Sialkot’s retention announcements by 7 February, then the auction itself on the 11th. As Rasheed puts it, “The retentions have set the tone, but the real drama will be watching who blinks first when the paddles go up.”
Full retention lists
Lahore Qalandars: Shaheen Shah Afridi (Platinum), Abdullah Shafique (Diamond), Sikandar Raza (Gold), Mohammad Naeem (Silver)
Quetta Gladiators: Abrar Ahmed (Platinum), Usman Tariq (Diamond), Hasan Nawaz (Gold), Shamyl Hussain (Emerging)
Islamabad United: Shadab Khan (Platinum), Salman Irshad (Gold), Andries Gous (Silver)
Peshawar Zalmi: Babar Azam (Platinum), Sufiyan Muqeem (Diamond), Abdul Samad (Gold), Ali Raza (Emerging)
Karachi Kings: Hasan Ali (Platinum), Abbas Afridi (Diamond), Khushdil Shah (Gold), Saad Baig (Emerging)
Multan Sultans: No retentions
The stage is set; whether the Sultans’ gamble pays off or the established sides tighten their grip, the auction promises the kind of calculated madness that keeps the PSL fresh.
