Rawalpindi has officially confirmed its four retained players ahead of the 2026 Pakistan Super League season, finalising its core squad before the league’s first-ever player auction. The confirmation comes at a crucial time as franchises prepare for a completely new recruitment process, replacing the traditional draft system that had been used since the PSL began. With limited time to decide, Rawalpindi moved quickly to secure key players across all categories.
The franchise was given a strict 24-hour window to announce its retentions, a deadline introduced due to its recent entry into the league. Despite the tight schedule, Rawalpindi successfully locked in a balanced mix of experience and emerging talent. This early clarity gives the team a stable foundation ahead of the Feb. 11 auction, where remaining squad positions will be filled through competitive bidding.
In the Platinum category, Rawalpindi retained Pakistan’s star wicketkeeper-batter Muhammad Rizwan for Rs. 56 million. Rizwan’s leadership qualities, consistency, and experience in pressure situations make him a central figure for the franchise. His presence is expected to shape the team’s identity in its debut season under the Rawalpindi name.
England’s Sam Billings was retained in the Diamond category for Rs. 30.8 million, adding international experience and versatility to the squad. In the Gold category, Rawalpindi opted for fast bowler Zaman Khan, retaining him for Rs. 11.2 million due to his pace and death-over skills. Yasir Khan was secured in the Silver category for Rs. 6 million, completing the franchise’s four allowed retentions.
Under the revised PSL 11 retention policy, each team was permitted to retain up to four players, with only one allowed in each category. All players not retained automatically enter the open auction pool, where they can be bid on by any franchise. This system is expected to create intense competition and more unpredictable squad combinations.
PSL 11 represents a major transformation for the league, as the PCB introduces a full auction model aimed at improving transparency and competitive balance. According to officials, the new system also provides greater earning potential for players, especially domestic cricketers who perform consistently.
Rawalpindi’s inclusion in the league follows Walee Technologies’ record-breaking Rs. 245 crore purchase of the Multan Sultans franchise rights. The decision to relocate and rebrand ended Multan’s chapter in the PSL and handed the twin cities their own team. The upcoming season, starting March 26, will feature eight teams, including Sialkot Stallionz and Hyderabad Houston Kingsmen.
With four key players already secured, Rawalpindi now enters the auction with confidence, aiming to build a competitive squad for its first season under a new identity.
