‘Drauction’ being considered by the PSL for its 2026 season, whoch is a combination of a draft as well as auction.
Ahead of its eleventh season, the PSL is considering the possibility of a “drauction”—a combination of a draft and an auction. The PSL held drafts for its first ten seasons, but this season it will hold an auction with two new teams from Hyderabad and Sialkot.
The PSL’s governing council aims to make a resolution over the weekend after failing to do so at a meeting on Friday. The PCB did, however, refer to the prospective new player recruitment strategy as a “drauction” in a statement.
A working group was established to discuss the issue after the meeting, which was attended by representatives of all eight franchises, with the PCB representing Multan Sultans, was adjourned.
The issue of player retention has also been made more difficult by the addition of the two new teams. There is disagreement over how best to strike a balance between giving the two new teams a fair chance to sign the best players of their choosing and allowing the existing teams to hold onto their players. Sources are aware that reaching a consensus on the issue is still difficult.
In order to select from a more favourable pool, the new teams are aiming for the fewest player retentions. They are also among the owners who are arguing that an auction is preferable to a draft, even though most of the current franchises are said to be against the idea. The PSL wants to give itself as much time and chance as possible to come to a consensus, even though the chairman has the final say if disagreements continue.
“During the meeting, detailed discussions were held on various matters including the schedule of the PSL, player retentions, adoption of the player auction or a unique combination of auction and draft termed as ‘drauction’ and the option of opening direct signings,” the official statement said. “It was decided that the PSL will kick off on Thursday, 26 March as the fans, players and stakeholders look forward to entering the New Era of the league.
“The meeting was adjourned with the constitution of a working group to meet on Saturday to deliberate further on agenda items, where after the governing council meeting will be reconvened immediately as necessary.”