SL 2026 Auction: Saim Ayub & Steve Smith Break All Records as Naseem Shah Leads $8.65 Crore Bidding War. -

The first-ever player auction for the 11th edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), held in Lahore on February 11, 2026, has completely redefined the league’s economic landscape. Replacing the traditional draft system, the auction saw player valuations skyrocket as eight franchises, including newcomers Sialkot Stallionz and Hyderabad Houston Kingsmen, vied for top talent.

Record-Breaking Auction Highlights

The auction featured unprecedented bids, reflecting the massive influx of funds from record-breaking franchise sales earlier this month.

The Richest Player: Saim Ayub emerged as the highest-paid player in PSL history, retained by the Hyderabad Houston Kingsmen for a staggering Rs 126 million (Rs 12.6 crore).
Highest Overall Investment: Sialkot Stallionz made the league’s largest single-player investment by signing Australian legend Steve Smith for a record Rs 140 million (Rs 14 crore) through a direct signing.
Top Auction Buy: Fast bowler Naseem Shah claimed the title of the most expensive player sold at the live auction, fetched by the Rawalpindi franchise for Rs 86.5 million (Rs 8.65 crore).
Premium All-Rounders: Faheem Ashraf became the first-ever player auctioned in the new format, going to Islamabad United for Rs 85 million (Rs 8.5 crore). New Zealand’s Daryl Mitchell was the costliest overseas buy at Rs 80.5 million (Rs 8.05 crore), also joining Rawalpindi.
International Stars: David Warner is set to rejoin the Karachi Kings after they won a bidding war for Rs 79 million (Rs 7.9 crore). Other significant overseas buys included Mark Chapman to Islamabad United for Rs 70 million.
Loyalty and Local Talent: Lahore Qalandars retained their core by securing Fakhar Zaman for Rs 79.5 million and Haris Rauf for Rs 76 million.