ISLAMABAD: The HBL Pakistan Super League (HBL PSL) on Monday announced sweeping structural reforms ahead of its 11th season, including a shift to a player auction system and a higher salary purse, marking the most significant overhaul in the league’s history as it seeks to deepen competitiveness and commercial appeal.

The changes, unveiled by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), come as the country’s flagship Twenty20 league enters its second decade, having grown into a major platform for domestic talent and international players since its launch in 2016.

Under the new framework, HBL PSL 11 will replace the long-standing player draft with a Player Auction Model, a move the PCB said was designed to enhance transparency, competitive balance and player earnings in line with global franchise leagues.

“In a historic move after a decade of success, the HBL Pakistan Super League (HBL PSL 11) will transition to a Player Auction Model, replacing the traditional Player Draft system,” the PCB said in a statement.

“This strategic shift is aimed at enhancing competitive balance, increasing transparency, and providing players’ greater earning opportunities.”

As part of the reforms, franchises will be allowed to retain a maximum of four players, limited to one per category, a sharp reduction from the previous system that permitted up to eight retentions along with mentor, brand ambassador and right-to-match provisions. The PCB said those mechanisms have now been abolished.

The revised rules also allow newly inducted teams to pre-select four players from the available pool before the auction, while each franchise may directly sign one foreign player who did not feature in the previous season, a move aimed at injecting fresh international talent into the league.

Further underlining the league’s commercial ambitions, the PCB said the player salary purse has been increased to $1.6 million per franchise, reinforcing efforts to attract elite domestic and overseas cricketers.

“These progressive measures reflect the League’s strategic trajectory and evolution, while remaining firmly rooted in its mission to promote cricketing excellence, fan engagement, and attaining unprecedented heights,” the PCB said.

The board also confirmed that HBL PSL 11 will begin on March 26, 2026, with Faisalabad added as an additional host venue, expanding the league’s geographic footprint beyond its traditional host cities.

Officials said further details on the auction process and operational guidelines would be announced in the coming weeks.

PSL has become a key pillar of the country’s cricket economy, providing financial stability to the PCB and serving as a talent pipeline for the national team.