PSL 2026 Retentions: Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi Stay Platinum, Pakistan Cricket Team Players Release Rizwan

The Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026 player retention list has been announced, marking a significant shift ahead of the league’s first-ever auction. Star names Babar Azam (Peshawar Zalmi) and Shaheen Shah Afridi (Lahore Qalandars) have both been retained in the prestigious Platinum category by their respective franchises. In a surprising move, Multan Sultans have opted not to retain any players, including their captain Mohammad Rizwan, making them the only team to release their entire roster.

Headline Retentions Across PSL Franchises

Four teams-Peshawar Zalmi, Lahore Qalandars, Quetta Gladiators, and Karachi Kings-have each secured four player retentions. Islamabad United, meanwhile, have retained three. The two new PSL franchises, Sialkot Stallionz and Hyderabad, are set to declare their retentions by February 7. The historic inaugural PSL auction is scheduled for February 11.

Lahore Qalandars

Platinum: Shaheen Shah Afridi
Diamond: Abdullah Shafique
Gold: Sikandar Raza
Silver: Mohammad Naeem

Quetta Gladiators

Platinum: Abrar Ahmed
Diamond: Usman Tariq
Gold: Hasan Nawaz
Emerging: Shamyl Hussain

Islamabad United

Platinum: Shadab Khan
Gold: Salman Irshad
Silver: Andries Gous

Peshawar Zalmi

Platinum: Babar Azam
Diamond: Sufyan Muqeem
Gold: Abdul Samad
Emerging: Ali Raza

Karachi Kings

Platinum: Hasan Ali
Diamond: Mohammad Abbas Afridi
Gold: Khushdil Shah
Emerging: Saad Baig

Multan Sultans

No players retained

New Teams Set to Shape Their Rosters

Sialkot Stallionz and Hyderabad, the league’s latest entrants, have until February 7 to confirm their player retentions. Their moves are highly anticipated as they prepare for their PSL debut.

Key Auction Details and Direct Signings

For the first time in PSL history, an auction will determine the final squad compositions, taking place on February 11. All retained and auction-selected players will be contracted for two years. Each franchise can sign between 16 and 20 players, with squad rules mandating at least five and up to seven overseas cricketers, and a minimum of one under-23 local talent who has yet to feature in the league.

Franchises have an auction purse of PKR 450 million (approximately USD 1.6 million), which can be increased to PKR 505 million (USD 1.8 million) to accommodate a direct signing outside the auction. Notably, Sialkot Stallionz have already made headlines by directly signing Steven Smith, becoming the first team to utilize this option.

What’s Next for PSL 2026?

With major stars locked in and Multan Sultans’ bold decision to rebuild from scratch, anticipation is building for the upcoming auction and the fresh strategies that will shape PSL 2026. The new teams’ participation and high-profile direct signings promise an exciting new era for the league.