The Pakistan Super League (PSL) opened direct signings today for its eight franchises, kicking off the pre-season plan for the 12th edition. Teams must finish their selections by November 23, 2026.
According to the new direct-signing rules, each club may recruit one marquee player who did not appear in PSL 10 or PSL 11.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has synchronized its domestic schedule with the PSL pre-season. The National T20 Gold and National T20 Silver competitions will act as primary talent-identification events before the PSL 12 Player Auction.
A franchise workshop is slated for next week to set final dates for player retentions and the pre-auction trade window, while officials will also review auction rules and playing conditions.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi said PSL 12 will be the league's most ambitious edition yet, noting PSL 11 ended before a record crowd and that the PCB is building on that momentum by expanding to more cities.
Naqvi added that the roadmap will give franchises, players, commercial partners and broadcasters greater certainty as they prepare for the upcoming season.
PSL CEO Salman Naseer confirmed the tournament will visit five to six venues for the first time, bringing the league closer to fans across Pakistan and offering more cities the chance to host T20 cricket.
Naseer also said squad-building choices, including direct signings, trades and retentions, will shape the teams that compete in March.
The player-movement timetable is set, with the PSL 12 Player Auction scheduled for January 23, 2027. The competition will comprise 44 matches over 46 days at five to six venues.
The PCB and PSL management said more announcements will follow in the coming weeks.
