Both leagues are set to start on 26th March as per media reports.
While the IPL has established itself as the world’s richest cricket league as well as the franchise sport league with the highest per-match value across the globe, the PSL is still looking to make its mark. Ahead of this season, the league has made a big move by expanding to an eight-team tournament with the addition of two new teams.
PSL Copy IPL’s 18-Year-Old Rule
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has also announced that the 2026 season will see a player auction in the league for the first time. So far, the PSL has used a player draft system for each of the first 10 editions, but has opted to use the system that the IPL has had in place since the inaugural season in 2008.
“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. This strategic shift is aimed at enhancing competitive balance, increasing transparency, and providing players’ greater earning opportunities,” said PSL in a statement.
The league revealed that teams will be allowed to retain just four players, unlike eight players previously. The player salary cap has also been increased to $1.6 million (Rs. 14.55 crore) per team from USD $1.3 million (Rs. 11.82 crores) per team. In comparison, the IPL currently has a salary cap of Rs. 125 crores per team. In fact, each team had $5 million (Rs. 20 crore based on the exchange rate at that) to spend in the first-ever auction in 2008.