PSL 12 Auction on January 23: Teams Get One Direct Signing Each

Pakistan Super League teams have begun preparations for the 2027 season. The player auction takes place on January 23, with direct signings open until November 23, 2026. Each franchise gets one direct signing, subject to rules on previous PSL appearances.

Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchises have begun choosing players for the 2027 season. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has scheduled the PSL 12 player auction for Saturday, January 23, 2027.

The board confirmed the date on October 23, 2026, as direct signings opened for all eight teams. Its announcement does not specify the auction venue or starting time.

One Signing Each Before the Auction

Teams have until November 23, 2026, to complete their direct signings. Each franchise gets one marquee signing, which lets the team recruit a leading player before the auction.

The player must have missed both PSL 10 and PSL 11 to qualify for this route.

Retention and Trade Decisions Next

The PCB plans a franchise workshop in the week following its October 23 announcement. Teams and league officials will finalise the deadline for keeping existing players, the pre-auction window for player transfers, auction rules and match conditions.

The board plans to release further details in the coming weeks.

Domestic T20 Results to Guide Player Choices

The National T20 Gold and National T20 Silver tournaments will help teams identify domestic players before the auction. The PCB has aligned these competitions with the PSL recruitment calendar.

The board aims to give strong domestic performers a route into the league and consideration for Pakistan selection.

44 Matches from March 18 to May 2

PSL 12 will begin on March 18, 2027, and end on May 2. The competition will run for 46 days and feature 44 matches, comprising 40 league fixtures and four playoff games.

The PCB plans to hold matches at five to six venues. PSL chief executive Salman Naseer said the expansion would bring the competition to more cities.