PSL 2026 Player Retentions: Why Multan Sultans Released Their Entire Squad

For the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL 11) 2026, the Multan Sultans made history by releasing their entire squad, including captain Mohammad Rizwan. This move is the first of its kind in PSL history and comes as the league shifts from a draft-based system to a full player auction.

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Reasons Behind the Complete Squad Release

Multan Sultans’ decision to release all players has several reasons:

Ownership Transition and Reset: The previous owner, Ali Tareen, did not renew the franchise agreement with the PCB due to contractual disputes. PCB temporarily took over, aiming to sell the franchise to new owners before the 2026 season. More details can be found on the official PSL website.
Strategic Flexibility: By releasing all players, the team enters the February 11, 2026 auction with the full USD 1.6 million purse, allowing the new management to rebuild the squad from scratch.
Transition to Auction Model: While other franchises retained up to four players, Multan chose zero retention to maximize spending power during the auction.
Performance and Rebranding: Potential changes include a new coaching staff, a possible franchise name change, and the release of Rizwan due to his dip in T20 performance in 2025.

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PSL 2026 Retention Overview

While Multan released all players, other franchises retained key stars before the auction:

Franchise	Platinum Retention	Other Key Retentions
Multan Sultans	None	None (Full Squad Released)
Peshawar Zalmi	Babar Azam	Sufiyan Muqeem (Diamond), Abdul Samad (Gold)
Lahore Qalandars	Shaheen Shah Afridi	Abdullah Shafique (Diamond), Sikandar Raza (Gold)
Islamabad United	Shadab Khan	Salman Irshad (Gold), Andries Gous (Silver)
Quetta Gladiators	Abrar Ahmed	Usman Tariq (Diamond), Hasan Nawaz (Gold)
Karachi Kings	Hasan Ali	Abbas Afridi (Diamond), Khushdil Shah (Gold)
Sialkot Stallionz*	TBD	TBD
Hyderabad*	TBD	TBD

*New franchises have until February 7, 2026, to finalize initial direct signings and retentions.

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Strategic Implications for PSL 11 Auction

Full Auction Access: Multan Sultans can bid for any player without restrictions.
Fresh Squad Potential: New management can build a team according to their strategy.
Fan Excitement: Zero retention creates buzz among fans and media, raising interest in top players.
Budget Advantage: Unused retention funds allow the team to compete aggressively for Platinum and Diamond category players.

Key Players Likely in Auction Spotlight

Power Hitters: Batsmen with high strike rates will attract maximum bids.
Fast Bowlers: Successful international pacers could dominate Platinum slots.
All-Rounders: Multi-skilled players increase team balance.
Consistent Performers: Players with strong PSL track records are safe picks.

How the PSL Auction Works

Franchises submit retention lists before the auction.
Released players enter auction categories: Platinum, Diamond, Gold, Silver.
Teams take turns selecting players during the auction.
Budget limits ensure fair competition.
Final squads are announced after auction completion.

Conclusion

The Multan Sultans’ decision to release their full squad has set the stage for a historic PSL 11 auction on February 11, 2026. With new management, zero retention, and full budget access, the team has a chance to create a completely new identity. Fans can expect a highly competitive auction with major signings and fresh strategies across all franchises.

FAQs

Q1: When is the PSL 11 auction date?
A1: The PSL 11 player auction is scheduled for February 11, 2026.

Q2: Why did Multan Sultans release all their players?
A2: Due to a change in ownership, strategic flexibility, and the transition to the auction system.

Q3: Which players were retained by other franchises?
A3: Key retentions include Babar Azam (Peshawar Zalmi), Shaheen Shah Afridi (Lahore Qalandars), and Shadab Khan (Islamabad United).

Q4: How does the PSL auction process work?
A4: Released players are categorized by value. Franchises bid for players during the auction while staying within budget limits. Final squads are announced after completion.