LAHORE: The HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) has entered what its leadership proudly calls a “New Era.” Behind the scenes, a core group of decision-makers—Salman Naseer (CEO, PSL), Usman Wahla (Director, PSL), Hijab Zahid (Senior Manager, PSL), Shoaib Khalid (Consultant, Player Acquisition), and Usman Tasleem (Manager Operations)—has been steering the league through historic changes, including the addition of new franchises and the first-ever player auction.
Salman Naseer explained how the league initially planned for two new teams but ended up auctioning three, including the rebranded Multan Sultans. The auctions were split into two rounds to maximize excitement and value. Aggressive bidding strategies shocked even the organizers, with increments jumping by 14 Crore PKR at a time.
Hijab Zahid, who served as auctioneer, recalled the intensity of the live event: “Sometimes I’d miss a paddle being raised because it was moving so fast. The energy was electric.” Shoaib Khalid, watching remotely, described the moment as transformative: “Two new teams at record prices—it had the whole world talking. For the brand to grow, we needed this.”
Usman Tasleem and Usman Wahla admitted the stress of running a live televised auction. “One mistake could have been costly,” they said, emphasizing how the PSL team had to ensure flawless execution. The “Road Shows” held earlier revealed the league’s growing global appeal, especially among overseas Pakistanis eager to reconnect with their roots through franchise ownership.
In a surprise twist, the PCB decided not to run the Multan Sultans itself but instead auctioned it off, responding to demand from disappointed bidders. The starting bid was set at 182 Crore PKR, reflecting the franchise’s strong legacy and fan base in South Punjab.
The introduction of a player auction marked a seismic shift. For ten years, PSL had relied on a draft system to maintain parity. But as Salman Naseer explained, “For the New Era, we needed to adapt. Players deserve to see their actual market value.”
Retention rules were tightened to give new franchises access to premium talent. Direct signings were introduced, bringing global stars like Glenn Maxwell into the PSL for the first time. Teams also had the option to sign players post-auction if they had budget left, a move that allowed Rawalpindi to secure Jake Fraser-McGurk.
Strategies varied: Peshawar Zalmi held back funds to dominate the “Unsold Round,” while others went all-in early. The base price system encouraged bidding wars, ensuring even unsold players found homes later.
The PSL leadership team has overseen a period of unprecedented growth. From record-breaking franchise auctions to the introduction of a player auction, the league has embraced innovation and risk-taking. As Salman Naseer put it: “It felt like one era was ending and a New Era was beginning.
