International media rights for the broadcast of the 11th edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) have been sold, with the Indian region being excluded from the deal.
According to a statement released on the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) website on Tuesday, there was a “record 149% increase” in the sale of PSL’s international media rights. However, the one-year agreement signed with Walee Technologies does not include the Indian region for broadcasting PSL matches.
This means that this time, Indian channels will not hold the broadcasting rights for the PSL. The PCB stated that “Walee Technologies submitted a bid that exceeded the PCB’s set reserve price.” The board did not disclose the exact amount for which the global media rights were sold.
According to PSL CEO Salman Naseer, “The 149% increase in international media rights reflects the world’s confidence in the PSL. The competitive and high-quality cricket of the PSL has captured the attention of fans worldwide. This new agreement has further strengthened our confidence in the league’s business growth.”
On the other hand, Ahsan Tahir, CEO of Walee Technologies, said, “This is a success for every Pakistani who believes in ‘Made in Pakistan’ technology.”
“He further added, ‘This is only the beginning of our HBL PSL journey. We have many plans in store and we want everyone to wait and see Walee’s upcoming moves.'”
“It is worth noting that during April last year, following a militant attack in Pahalgam—a tourist destination in Indian-administered Kashmir—the broadcasting platforms FanCode and Sony Sports India suspended the transmission of PSL matches.”
“In 2024, the PCB had signed a three-year agreement with Sony Pictures Networks India, under which all of Pakistan’s home international series and the Pakistan Super League were to be broadcast.”
“Reaction on social media”
Here is the translation of these social media reactions into English:
“Some social media users in India have also commented on this development.”
“An X (formerly Twitter) user from India named Jiten Yadav wrote: ‘Sony Sports Network (India) will not buy the media rights for PSL 2026. This means PSL 2026 can be watched live on YouTube for just a few dollars.'”
“Jiten concluded his post by saying: ‘No one watches PSL in India.'”
“Another Indian X user, Sameer, wrote: ‘No Indian channel even wants to buy the rights to show the PSL, nor does anyone in India want to watch it.'”
“Similarly, Anup Pal posted on X: ‘If the Pakistan Cricket Board has not given broadcasting rights to India, it is not India’s loss, but the PCB’s loss.'”
Steve Smith joins Sialkot Stallions squad for PSL 11
The player auction for Pakistan Super League 11 is scheduled for February 11; however, the Sialkot Stallions have already secured Steve Smith by utilizing the “direct signing” procedure. Meanwhile, Karachi Kings and Islamabad United have announced their decisions to retain—or not put up for auction—four and three players respectively for the 11th edition of the PSL.
It is worth noting that the PSL management has introduced several new changes for Season 11, including an IPL-style player auction system for the first time. In the 10 seasons played so far, players were selected via a “draft” system, but now players will be auctioned with set base prices, similar to the Indian Premier League.
The PSL management has allowed each franchise to directly sign one overseas player who was not part of PSL 10. They stated that this option would provide teams the opportunity to strengthen their squads and bring in fresh international talent.
Utilizing this very option, Sialkot Stallions have secured the services of Steve Smith. Previously, the Sialkot franchise had appointed former Australian captain Tim Paine as the team’s head coach.
The team management has not disclosed the contract amount for Steve Smith. However, according to the new PSL rules and regulations, while each team will have 450 million PKR (45 crore) to acquire players in the auction, they can utilize an additional 55 million PKR (5.5 crore) specifically for a direct signing.
Former Australian captain Steve Smith needs no introduction, and his fans across the globe, including Pakistan, certainly number in the millions, if not tens of millions. This is why Pakistani cricket fans are overjoyed at his inclusion in the PSL for the first time.
Sialkot Stallions themselves have termed it the “biggest signing in PSL history.”
On the social media platform X, a user named Muhammad Shahzad Ejaz wrote: “Seeing Steve Smith in Stallions’ colors is a dream for the fans.” He added, “This deal changes everything and proves that the PSL has now truly become an international event.”
Another social media user wrote: “By bringing in a legend like Steve Smith, the Stallions have shaken everyone up.”
Another X user remarked: “Whether you love him or not, Steve Smith is a match-winner, and now the competition in PSL 2026 will be even tougher.”
Steve Smith has played cricket all over the world and is considered one of the biggest names in modern cricket. He has been showcasing his batting magic in major T20 leagues globally, having previously played in the Big Bash League, The Hundred, the Indian Premier League, the Bangladesh Premier League, and the Caribbean Premier League.
In his domestic and franchise T20 career so far, he has played 272 matches, scoring 6,242 runs at a strike rate of over 131, which includes 30 half-centuries and five centuries.
Most recently, he played the 15th season of the Big Bash League for the Sydney Sixers, where he scored 299 runs in six matches at a strike rate of over 167. During that tournament, he also scored one century and two half-centuries.
Which players have Karachi, Islamabad, Lahore, and Quetta decided to retain?
On Tuesday, four PSL teams—Lahore Qalandars, Quetta Gladiators, Islamabad United, and Karachi Kings—announced the players they have “retained” or who will not be available for the auction for the 11th season.
In a post on the social media platform X, Karachi Kings stated that Hasan Ali, Khushdil Shah, Saad Baig, and Abbas Afridi will continue to play for the franchise in the 11th season of the PSL.
On the other hand, Islamabad United has retained captain Shadab Khan in the Platinum category, Salman Irshad in the Gold category, and Andries Gous in the Silver category for PSL 11.
Lahore Qalandars announced that they will not put Shaheen Shah Afridi, Abdullah Shafique, Zimbabwe’s Pakistani-origin all-rounder Sikandar Raza, or Mohammad Naeem up for auction.
Quetta Gladiators have also announced the retention of spinners Abrar Ahmed and Usman Tariq, along with Hassan Nawaz and emerging player Shamyl Hussain.
Retention Summary Table
| Team | Retained Players |
| Karachi Kings | Hasan Ali, Khushdil Shah, Saad Baig, Abbas Afridi |
| Islamabad United | Shadab Khan (P), Salman Irshad (G), Andries Gous (S) |
| Lahore Qalandars | Shaheen Afridi, Abdullah Shafique, Sikandar Raza, Mohammad Naeem |
| Quetta Gladiators | Abrar Ahmed, Usman Tariq, Hassan Nawaz, Shamyl Hussain |
Player Auctions in the PSL
Last month, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced further details regarding player compensation, teams, and the auction procedure for PSL Season 11.
According to the official statement released by the PCB, four categories have been established for the player auction this time. The base price for the first category is set at 42 million PKR (4.2 crore), the second at 22 million PKR (2.2 crore), the third at 11 million PKR (1.1 crore), and the fourth category at 6 million PKR (60 lakh).
While players were paid in US Dollars during the first 10 seasons of the PSL, they will now be compensated in Pakistani Rupees. The auction ceremony is scheduled to take place on February 11.
According to the PCB, for a player whose bidding starts at 42 million PKR, franchises must increase each subsequent bid by a minimum of 1.5 million PKR (15 lakh). Similarly, for players with a base price of 22 million PKR, the bid increment must be at least 500,000 PKR (5 lakh), and for those at 11 million PKR, the bid must increase by at least 250,000 PKR (2.5 lakh).
Each squad will consist of a minimum of 16 and a maximum of 20 players. Depending on the squad size, the number of overseas players will range from five to seven. Franchises are required to include a minimum of three and a maximum of four overseas players in their Playing XI.
Furthermore, teams must include at least two Under-23 players in their squad and at least one in the Playing XI.
Auction Financial Summary
| Category | Base Price (PKR) | Minimum Bid Increment |
| Category 1 | 42 Million (4.2 Crore) | 1.5 Million (15 Lakh) |
| Category 2 | 22 Million (2.2 Crore) | 500,000 (5 Lakh) |
| Category 3 | 11 Million (1.1 Crore) | 250,000 (2.5 Lakh) |
| Category 4 | 6 Million (60 Lakh) | N/A |
