A major change to the retention policy for the Pakistan Super League season 11 has placed franchises under intense pressure. Teams can now retain only one player per category, limiting their ability to keep multiple star performers.
Under the revised rules, franchises must release several high-profile players ahead of the draft. The move aims to balance competition but has complicated squad planning across the league.
Peshawar Zalmi face a difficult call in the Platinum category. The franchise must choose between Babar Azam and Saim Ayub, two of their most valuable assets.
Read: PSL 11 Player Auction Approved as Governing Council Finalises Retention Rules
At Islamabad United, management must decide whether to retain pace spearhead Naseem Shah or captain Shadab Khan. The decision will shape the team’s core for the upcoming season.
Quetta Gladiators face a similar dilemma in the Diamond category. They can retain only one of Abrar Ahmed or experienced pacer Mohammad Amir.
The challenge is even steeper for Lahore Qalandars. The franchise has Shaheen Afridi, Fakhar Zaman, and Daryl Mitchell in the Platinum category, but can retain only one.
Cricket analysts say the new retention structure will reshape team combinations and intensify competition at the PSL 11 draft. Fans now await franchise decisions that could redefine the league’s balance of power.
