Naseem Shah PSL Auction: Pacer gets record Rs86.5m bid
Fast bowler Naseem Shah made history at the inaugural Pakistan Super League (PSL) player auction, securing a record-breaking bid of Rs86.5 million from the Rawalpindi franchise in Lahore.
Highlights
- Naseem Shah sold to Rawalpindi for record Rs86.5 million.
- PSL transitioned from a draft system to its first-ever player auction.
- Fakhar Zaman and Haris Rauf retained by Lahore Qalandars for high bids.
- New franchises Sialkot Stallionz and Hyderabad Houston Kingsmen made debut picks.
- Tournament scheduled to run from March 26 to May 3, 2026.
Naseem Shah Leads Record Bids
The bidding war for Naseem Shah ended with Rawalpindi outlasting Karachi Kings and Islamabad United. The pacer’s Rs86.5 million price tag set a new benchmark for the league. Other high-value acquisitions included New Zealand’s Daryl Mitchell, who joined Rawalpindi for Rs80.5 million, and David Warner, who went to Karachi Kings for Rs79 million.
Lahore Qalandars Retain Core Stars
Lahore Qalandars successfully kept their key local talent. The franchise secured Fakhar Zaman for Rs79.5 million and fast bowler Haris Rauf for Rs76 million. They also added international experience by picking Sri Lankan all-rounder Dasun Shanaka and West Indian spinner Gudakesh Motie.
New Teams and Strategic Picks
The expanded eight-team league saw Sialkot Stallionz and Hyderabad Houston Kingsmen build their rosters. Sialkot signed Sahibzada Farhan for Rs57 million and Australian spinner Ashton Turner. Hyderabad focused on pace, securing Mohammad Ali for Rs21.5 million and Riley Meredith for Rs42 million. Meanwhile, Peshawar Zalmi strengthened their squad with James Vince and Michael Bracewell.
