PSL 11 Start Date Confirmed. The wait is finally over for cricket fans. The Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 11 now has an official start date. The Pakistan Cricket Board has confirmed that PSL 11 will kick off on March 26, marking the beginning of a new phase for the country’s biggest T20 tournament.
Beyond the date announcement, the league is also considering major structural changes, including a new player recruitment model and the addition of two new franchises, making PSL 11 one of the most important editions in the league’s history.
PSL 11 Official Start Date Confirmed
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed that PSL 11 will start on March 26, putting an end to weeks of speculation around the tournament timeline.
The decision was finalised during a high-level Governing Council meeting held at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore. The meeting was chaired by Mohsin Naqvi, who leads the PCB.
Officials described PSL 11 as the start of a “new phase” for the league, signalling both expansion and possible changes to how teams are built.
Who Attended the Key PSL 11 Meeting
The importance of the meeting was reflected in who attended. The session included:
- Representatives from all eight existing PSL franchises
- Senior PCB officials
- PSL management executives
The presence of all stakeholders shows that the board wants consensus-based decisions, especially with big changes under discussion.
PSL 11 May Introduce a New “Drauction” System
One of the biggest talking points to emerge from the meeting was a proposed change to the player recruitment system.
What Is the Drauction Model
Officials are considering a hybrid recruitment method being referred to as a “drauction”, a combination of:
- Draft system (currently used in PSL Seasons 1–10)
- Auction system (used in leagues like the IPL)
Under this approach, teams may get limited retentions, while the remaining players could be acquired through a more competitive bidding-style process.
Why PCB Is Considering a Recruitment Change
The discussion around a drauction model is closely linked to PSL expansion. The league is planning to add two new franchises, reportedly from:
- Hyderabad
- Sialkot
With new teams entering the competition, PCB faces a challenge:
- Existing teams want to retain their core players
- New teams want fair access to top talent
An auction-style or hybrid system could level the playing field for new franchises.
Division Among PSL Franchises
The issue has created clear divisions among teams:
- New franchises
- Prefer fewer player retentions
- Support an auction-based or hybrid model
- Existing franchises
- Prefer to keep the draft system
- Want to retain players they’ve invested in over multiple seasons
Because of these differences, the Governing Council did not reach a final decision during the Friday meeting.
Working Group Formed for Further Discussions
To move the process forward, PCB has formed a working group tasked with:
- Reviewing the drauction proposal
- Evaluating its impact on competitive balance
- Suggesting a fair retention policy
The group is expected to continue discussions over the weekend. If needed, the PSL Governing Council will reconvene to make a final call.
Why PSL 11 Is Being Called a “New Phase”
PSL 11 is shaping up to be more than just another season. Several factors support this view:
- League Expansion
The addition of two franchises will increase competition and regional representation. - Possible Recruitment Overhaul
A shift from a pure draft to a hybrid model would be the biggest structural change in PSL history. - Commercial Growth
More teams mean more matches, sponsors, and broadcasting opportunities. - Talent Development
New franchises can open doors for emerging Pakistani cricketers.
PSL 11 Schedule and Player Timelines
While the March 26 start date is confirmed, several details are still pending, including:
- Full PSL 11 match schedule
- Player registration deadlines
- Retention announcements
- Draft or drauction dates
PCB officials have indicated that more announcements will be made in the coming weeks as preparations accelerate.
What Fans Can Expect from PSL 11
For fans, PSL 11 promises:
- A longer and more competitive season
- New team rivalries
- Fresh local and international talent
- Possible changes in team-building strategies
Conclusion
The confirmation of March 26 as the PSL 11 start date marks an important milestone for Pakistan cricket. With league expansion, debates over player recruitment, and growing commercial interest, PSL 11 is set to redefine the future of the tournament.
As discussions around the drauction system continue, fans and franchises alike are watching closely. One thing is certain — PSL 11 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting seasons yet.
