For the first time in its history, the Pakistan Super League (PSL) will conduct a full-fledged players’ auction. This major change was officially announced by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). However, what has grabbed maximum attention is not the auction format, but the extremely small budget allotted to franchises.

The total purse given to each PSL team for the auction has been fixed at USD 1.6 million, which is roughly ₹14.6 crore. This amount is so modest that it is being compared to the luxury watch worn by Hardik Pandya, which reportedly costs more than the entire PSL team budget.

Huge Gap Between PSL and IPL

The contrast becomes even starker when compared to the Indian Premier League (IPL). In the IPL, each franchise operates with a purse exceeding ₹100 crore, and individual players are frequently sold for ₹14–15 crore or more.

In comparison, the entire squad of a PSL team must be built within ₹14.6 crore, highlighting the massive financial gap between the two leagues.

New PSL Auction Rules Explained

The PCB has also introduced several major structural changes to the league ahead of the auction:

• Each franchise can retain a maximum of four players

• Only one player per category can be retained

• Earlier, teams could retain up to eight players, including mentors and brand ambassadors

• The roles of mentors, brand ambassadors, and Right-to-Match (RTM) have now been completely scrapped

These changes aim to make the league more competitive and transparent, though the low purse remains a concern.

Special Provision for New Teams

PSL CEO Salman Naseer confirmed that the two new franchises—Hyderabad and Sialkot—will be allowed to pick four players each from the available player pool before the auction.

In addition, every franchise will have the option to directly sign one foreign player who did not participate in PSL Season 10, giving teams some flexibility despite the limited budget.

PSL vs IPL: Direct Clash in 2026

In a bold scheduling move, the PSL is set to directly clash with the IPL this season. Both tournaments are scheduled to begin on March 26, putting them in direct competition for players, viewers, and global attention.

Adding to the excitement, PSL matches will also be hosted in Faisalabad this season, expanding the league’s geographic footprint.

Big Ambitions, Small Budget

While the PSL continues to grow in popularity and ambition, the stark difference in financial muscle compared to the IPL is impossible to ignore. A league where an entire team costs less than a single luxury accessory worn by an international star underlines the economic realities of global T20 cricket.

Despite this, the PSL remains determined to carve its own identity through competitive cricket and new formats—though the budget disparity remains its biggest challenge.