Rawalpindi has officially confirmed its retained players ahead of PSL 11, setting the foundation for the Pakistan Super League 2026 season. With the Feb. 11 player auction approaching fast, the franchise had only 24 hours to finalize its list under the new retention rules.
The announcement gives fans a clear picture of the team’s early strategy before the historic auction begins.
PSL 11 Retention Policy Explained
Under the revised PSL 11 retention policy, each franchise was allowed to retain four players, selecting one in each category:
صرف ایک کلک، اور ہر اہم خبر سب سے پہلے آپ کے موبائل پر
ابھی جوائن کریں- Platinum category
- Diamond category
- Gold category
- Silver category
All other players enter the open auction pool, where they can be picked by any team during the full auction system, replacing the old traditional draft format.
According to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), this new structure aims to improve competitive balance, ensure transparency, and create better earning opportunities for players.
Rawalpindi Retained Players List
Here are the four players officially retained:
- Muhammad Rizwan – Platinum category – Rs. 56 million
- Sam Billings – Diamond category – Rs. 30.8 million
- Zaman Khan – Gold category – Rs. 11.2 million
- Yasir Khan – Silver category – Rs. 6 million
By securing players across all four categories, Rawalpindi has built a balanced core lineup ahead of the auction.
Major Changes in PSL 11
This season marks a historic shift in cricket league Pakistan history. For the first time, PSL will operate under a full auction system instead of the draft.
صرف ایک کلک، اور ہر اہم خبر سب سے پہلے آپ کے موبائل پر
ابھی جوائن کریںThe PCB believes the new format will:
- Increase fairness among teams
- Improve player market value
- Strengthen overall league competition
The auction is scheduled for Feb. 11, while the tournament begins on March 26.
Franchise Rebranding and Ownership
Rawalpindi’s entry into PSL 11 follows a major business move. Walee Technologies secured the Multan Sultans franchise rights for Rs. 245 crore, one of the biggest deals in league history.
After the purchase, the new ownership group decided to relocate and rebrand the franchise as Rawalpindi, officially ending Multan’s journey in the league and giving the twin cities their own team.
Expanded PSL 11 Format
The upcoming season will feature an eight-team format, expanding the competition. Two new teams joining the league are:
- Sialkot Stallionz
- Hyderabad Houston Kingsmen
This expansion adds fresh competition and excitement to PSL 11.
What This Means for Rawalpindi
With four key players secured, Rawalpindi enters the historic auction with a clear franchise strategy. The retained stars provide leadership, experience, and balance, allowing the management to focus on strengthening other areas during the auction.
As the team prepares for its first season under a new identity, expectations are high among fans.
Conclusion
The announcement that Rawalpindi announces retained players for PSL 11 signals strong early planning. By securing Muhammad Rizwan, Sam Billings, Zaman Khan, and Yasir Khan, the franchise has built a solid base ahead of the auction.
With the Pakistan Super League 2026 shifting to a new structure and expanding to eight teams, PSL 11 promises to be one of the most exciting seasons yet.
