14/01/2026
It sounds cool if PSL shifts from the draft system to full auctions, but honestly, it’s not a sustainable model for PSL with such tight budgets. Reason:
1) Just compare the money. In the IPL, each team has a purse of around PKR 360 crore, while Quetta Gladiators’ total annual franchise fee itself is only about PKR 35 crore. The gap is massive.
2) Even if we ignore the IPL’s 360 crore purse, PSL would still need to offer at least PKR 100 crore per team to make auctions meaningful. which is already three times less than IPL and still not ideal. And the reality is, PSL can’t even afford that.
3) Let’s say PSL somehow manages a purse of 50/60 crore. Will that attract foreign stars? Not really. Maybe a few big names will still get decent deals, but most mid- and lower-tier overseas players will start pulling out. They’ll prefer their domestic leagues, where they’re offered better money.
4) The best possible solution is still: 2 direct signings + draft. This way, franchises can pay star players extra money from their own pockets, while players still earn a solid amount through the draft system as well.
5) Also, direct signings should be done before the IPL auctions, so PSL doesn’t end up waiting for IPL leftovers every season.
