The anticipation for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026 has reached a fever pitch as the league transitions into a brand-new era. For the first time in history, the tournament has moved from a draft to a player auction system, and the league has expanded to include eight franchises with the addition of Hyderabad and Sialkot Stallionz.
PSL 2026: Teams announce retentions ahead of historic player auction
Under the new auction framework, retention rules were tightened significantly to ensure a fair balance for the two new franchises. Existing teams were permitted to retain a maximum of four players, with a strict limit of one player per category. This ‘reset’ has led to some of the most dramatic roster changes in the league’s history, as several franchises had to release long-standing superstars into the auction pool to manage their salary caps.
These decisions highlight a bold strategic shift, prioritizing a core leadership group while maintaining maximum financial flexibility for the February 11 auction. With the draft era officially closed, teams are now preparing for an intense bidding war to complete their squads for the 11th season.
Pakistan Super League: Full list of players retained by franchises ahead of PSL 2026 auction
1. Islamabad United
Islamabad United, the three-time champions, have maintained their decade-long association with skipper Shadab Khan. However, the new auction rules forced them into difficult releases, including Naseem Shah and Azam Khan. United enters the auction with a three-player core, focusing on experience and a versatile overseas option in Andries Gous.
- Platinum: Shadab Khan (Captain)
- Gold: Salman Irshad
- Silver: Andries Gous
2. Multan Sultans
In the most shocking move of the retention window, Multan Sultans opted to retain zero players. By releasing their entire squad, including last year’s captain Mohammad Rizwan, the Sultans will head into the 2026 auction with a full USD 1.6 million purse, aiming to build an entirely new identity from the ground up.
Retentions: None (Full squad released)
3. Peshawar Zalmi
Peshawar Zalmi has successfully ‘locked in’ the league’s most prolific run-scorer, Babar Azam. While they had to part ways with the dynamic Saim Ayub due to the one-per-category rule, Zalmi has secured a blend of elite leadership and high-potential youth, particularly in the emerging pacer Ali Raza.
- Platinum: Babar Azam (Captain)
- Diamond: Sufiyan Muqeem
- Gold: Abdul Samad
- Emerging: Ali Raza
4. Quetta Gladiators
The Gladiators have signaled a tactical shift by retaining mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed in the top tier. Their list reflects a commitment to rewarding domestic consistency, keeping hold of Usman Tariq and the promising Hasan Nawaz. Quetta enters the auction looking to surround this spin-heavy core with veteran pace.
- Platinum: Abrar Ahmed
- Diamond: Usman Tariq
- Gold: Hasan Nawaz
- Emerging: Shamyl Hussain
5. Karachi Kings
Karachi Kings have prioritized their bowling attack by retaining the league’s leading wicket-taker, Hasan Ali, alongside the death-bowling specialist Abbas Afridi. By securing Khushdil Shah in the Gold category, the Kings have kept a reliable domestic all-rounder while keeping their slots open for heavy-hitting overseas batters in the auction.
- Platinum: Hasan Ali
- Diamond: Abbas Afridi
- Gold: Khushdil Shah
- Emerging: Saad Baig
6. Lahore Qalandars
Defending their ‘triple-captain’ legacy, Lahore Qalandars have retained Shaheen Afridi in the Platinum category. Despite losing Haris Rauf and Fakhar Zaman to the auction pool, they have successfully kept Abdullah Shafique and the world-class Sikandar Raza, ensuring they remain a formidable force.
- Platinum: Shaheen Afridi (Captain)
- Diamond: Abdullah Shafique
- Gold: Sikandar Raza
- Silver: Mohammad Naeem
