The Pakistan Cricket Board has unveiled the retention lists for HBL PSL 2026, with six franchises announcing their retained players while defending champions Multan Sultans have shocked the cricket fraternity by releasing their entire squad, including captain Mohammad Rizwan.
Pakistan’s biggest cricket stars, Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Abrar Ahmed, and Hasan Ali, have been retained in the Platinum category by their respective franchises.
The historic first-ever PSL auction is scheduled for February 11, 2026, with the two new entrants, Sialkot Stallionz and Hyderabad, set to announce their retentions by February 7. This season promises unprecedented excitement as franchises reshape their squads for the 11th edition of Pakistan’s premier T20 league.
Complete PSL 2026 Retentions List
| Franchise | Platinum | Diamond | Gold | Silver/Emerging |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lahore Qalandars | Shaheen Shah Afridi | Abdullah Shafique | Sikandar Raza | Mohammad Naeem (Silver) |
| Quetta Gladiators | Abrar Ahmed | Usman Tariq | Hasan Nawaz | Shamyl Hussain (Emerging) |
| Islamabad United | Shadab Khan | – | Salman Irshad | Andries Gous (Silver) |
| Peshawar Zalmi | Babar Azam | Sufyan Moqim | Abdul Samad | Ali Raza (Emerging) |
| Karachi Kings | Hasan Ali | Mohammad Abbas Afridi | Khushdil Shah | Saad Baig (Emerging) |
| Multan Sultans | No Retentions | No Retentions | No Retentions | No Retentions |
| Sialkot Stallionz | TBA (by Feb 7) | TBA (by Feb 7) | TBA (by Feb 7) | TBA (by Feb 7) |
| Hyderabad | TBA (by Feb 7) | TBA (by Feb 7) | TBA (by Feb 7) | TBA (by Feb 7) |
Strategic Retention Decisions Shape PSL 2026 Landscape
The retention announcements reveal fascinating strategic decisions by each franchise heading into the historic auction, with teams building around their core strengths and preparing for the February 11 player auction.
Lahore Qalandars: Building Around Shaheen’s Leadership
The defending champions have shown unwavering faith in their proven leader. Lahore Qalandars have placed their trust in three-time PSL-winning captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, making him their Platinum retention.
The left-arm pacer’s leadership credentials and match-winning ability make him invaluable to the defending champions. Supporting Shaheen will be the elegant Abdullah Shafique in the Diamond category, Zimbabwean all-rounder Sikandar Raza in Gold, and emerging sensation Mohammad Naeem, who impressed as the Emerging Player of PSL X.
Quetta Gladiators: Spin-Centric Strategy
In a bold tactical move, Quetta Gladiators have prioritized spin bowling for PSL 2026. They’ve adopted a spin-centric approach, retaining mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed as their Platinum player and leg-spinner Usman Tariq in Diamond.
This strategy suggests they’re planning to exploit spin-friendly conditions. The addition of PSL X Player of the Tournament Hasan Nawaz in the Gold category adds batting depth and wicketkeeping options, while left-handed batter Shamyl Hussain provides emerging talent.
Peshawar Zalmi: Stability With Babar Azam
Experience and consistency define Peshawar Zalmi’s retention philosophy. The franchise’s retention of Babar Azam, the PSL’s all-time leading run-scorer and one of only two players to feature in 100 PSL matches, provides stability and class at the top of the order.
The 2017 champions have also secured left-arm wrist-spinner Sufyan Moqim in Diamond, dynamic finisher Abdul Samad in Gold, and promising pacer Ali Raza in the Emerging category.
Islamabad United: Flexible Approach With Minimal Retentions
Taking a calculated risk, the three-time champions have opted for maximum auction firepower. Islamabad United have retained just three players, giving them maximum flexibility at the auction.
Shadab Khan’s nine-year association with United continues as their Platinum pick, supported by the economical Salman Irshad in Gold and USA wicketkeeper-batter Andries Gous in Silver. Notably, United hasn’t retained anyone in the Diamond or Emerging categories, suggesting aggressive auction plans.
Karachi Kings: Bowling-First Philosophy
The 2020 champions have doubled down on their bowling arsenal. Karachi Kings have secured their bowling spearhead Hasan Ali, the PSL’s all-time leading wicket-taker, in Platinum, alongside the impressive Mohammad Abbas Afridi in Diamond, versatile all-rounder Khushdil Shah in Gold, and young wicketkeeper Saad Baig in the Emerging category. This retention strategy emphasizes their bowling strength.
Multan Sultans: Complete Overhaul Shocks PSL
In the most dramatic decision of the retention window, Multan Sultans have pressed the reset button. They have released their entire squad, including captain Mohammad Rizwan. This bold strategy indicates a complete rebuild, potentially targeting big names at the auction with their full PKR 450 million purse, extendable to PKR 505 million for direct signings.
This unprecedented move gives Sultans maximum freedom to reshape their entire roster. All retained players will sign two-year contracts, and each franchise must assemble a squad of 16-20 players, including five to seven overseas players and at least one local player under 23 who has not previously played in the PSL.
Steve Smith Joins Sialkot Stallionz As Marquee Direct Signing
Sialkot Stallionz have made a statement, signing ahead of their inaugural PSL campaign by acquiring Australian batting maestro Steve Smith through the direct signing route. Each franchise is permitted to sign one overseas player outside the auction who didn’t feature in the previous PSL edition.
Smith’s inclusion comes on the back of a stellar Big Bash League season where he amassed 299 runs from six innings for Sydney Sixers. The 36-year-old’s PSL participation makes him unavailable as an IPL replacement player, following his unsold status at last year’s IPL auction. This strategic acquisition demonstrates Stallionz’s intent to compete immediately in their debut season.
