Faheem Ashraf Headlines PSL 11 Auction as Teams Splash Big in Historic Expansion Season

The Pakistan Super League Season 11 Player Auction opened with a statement signing as Faheem Ashraf became the first player to go under the hammer, with Islamabad United securing the all-rounder for PKR 8.5 crore after an intense bidding war that began from his base price of PKR 4.2 crore.

The auction, held ahead of PSL’s expanded eight-team season, witnessed aggressive bidding across franchises as teams rebuilt their squads for what promises to be the biggest edition in league history.

Islamabad United Make Early Statement

Islamabad United, the inaugural PSL champions, were among the most active franchises. Alongside Faheem, they signed:

• Mark Chapman – PKR 7 crore

• Mohammad Wasim Jnr – PKR 4.1 crore

• Imad Wasim – PKR 2.2 crore

• Haider Ali – PKR 1.5 crore

• Mehran Mumtaz – PKR 1.2 crore

• Sameer Minhas (U19 prodigy) – PKR 1.9 crore

• Shamar Joseph – PKR 1.1 crore

In a landmark moment, Dipendra Singh Airee was picked for PKR 60 lacs, becoming the first Nepal player in PSL history.

Karachi Kings Reunite with Warner

Karachi Kings brought back former skipper David Warner for PKR 7.9 crore after releasing him earlier. They also secured:

• Salman Ali Agha – PKR 5.85 crore

• Adam Zampa – PKR 4.5 crore (PSL debut)

• Azam Khan – PKR 3.25 crore

The Kings further strengthened their overseas core with Johnson Charles and others.

Rawalpindi Break the Bank

Rawalpindi made the highest bid of the auction, acquiring Naseem Shah for PKR 8.65 crore. They also stunned the room by signing:

• Daryl Mitchell – PKR 8.05 crore

• Mohammad Amir – PKR 5.4 crore

• Asif Afridi – PKR 2.4 crore

The aggressive approach signals Rawalpindi’s title ambitions.

Qalandars Bring Back the Core

Defending champions Lahore Qalandars retained their championship nucleus and bought back:

• Fakhar Zaman – PKR 7.95 crore

• Haris Rauf – PKR 7.6 crore

• Usama Mir – PKR 3.5 crore

• Ubaid Shah – PKR 2.7 crore

The Qalandars maintained stability while adding depth to their pace and spin departments.

Quetta Secure Proven Performers

Quetta Gladiators snapped up Rilee Rossouw for PKR 5.55 crore, marking his 10th PSL season. Rossouw remains the leading run-scorer among overseas players in PSL history.

They also made headlines by acquiring Khawaja Mohammad Nafay for PKR 6.5 crore, a sharp rise from his base price of PKR 1.1 crore.

New Franchise Hyderabad Houston Kings Make Impact

The new entrants Hyderabad Houston Kings began by signing Mohammad Ali (PKR 2.15 crore) and later strengthened their squad with:

• Kusal Perera – PKR 3.1 crore

• Muhammad Irfan Khan – PKR 2.9 crore

• Riley Meredith – PKR 4.2 crore

Stallionz and Zalmi Build Balanced Units

Sialkot Stallionz signed:

• Sahibzada Farhan – PKR 5.70 crore

• Ashton Turner – PKR 4.2 crore

• Peter Siddle – PKR 2.5 crore (PSL debut)

• Tabraiz Shamsi – PKR 2.2 crore

• Josh Philippe – PKR 2.3 crore

Peshawar Zalmi retained their core and added:

• Michael Bracewell – PKR 4.2 crore

• Kusal Mendis – PKR 4.2 crore

• James Vince – PKR 3 crore

• Aamir Jamal – PKR 1.90 crore

• Mohammad Haris – PKR 2.2 crore

Auction Highlights at a Glance

• Highest bid: Naseem Shah – PKR 8.65 crore (Rawalpindi)

• First player auctioned: Faheem Ashraf – PKR 8.5 crore (Islamabad United)

• First Nepal player in PSL: Dipendra Singh Airee

• Major reunion: David Warner returns to Karachi Kings

• Expansion impact: Eight teams, deeper player pool, record spending

With expanded squads and record-breaking bids, PSL 11 has set the stage for one of the most competitive and commercially significant seasons in the league’s history.