The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially announced the schedule for the 10th edition of the Pakistan Super League PSL draft 2025 . Scheduled for January 13, 2025, at the historic Huzoori Bagh in Lahore Fort, the draft will commence with an opening ceremony at 12:30 PM and will be broadcast live. This event will set the stage for the strategic team formations for the upcoming season, which kicks off in February 2025.
During the draft, Lahore Qalandars will have the privilege of the first pick in the Platinum category, closely followed by Karachi Kings and Quetta Gladiators. Peshawar Zalmi and Multan Sultans will make their selections thereafter, with Islamabad United, the current champions, picking last. Apart from the Platinum category, teams will also choose players from Diamond, Gold, Silver, Emerging, and Supplemental categories, each designed to balance team strengths and competitive edge.
The registration process for foreign players began on December 12, ahead of the PSL 2025 draft. Teams are given the flexibility to retain standout performers from PSL 9 or opt for fresh talent in the draft, adding a strategic component to team management. These rules are subject to annual changes, ensuring a dynamic drafting process. Additionally, teams can engage in player trades before the draft, further enhancing their squad as needed.
Originally slated for an earlier date, the PSL 2025 draft was postponed to April due to scheduling conflicts with the Champions Trophy but has since been moved to January to precede the Indian Premier League (IPL) auction. This strategic rescheduling allows PSL teams to acquire impactful players who may not have been picked in the IPL, thereby strengthening the league's competitive stature.
Looking forward, the PCB is not only enhancing the league’s format but also its global appeal by incorporating auction systems similar to the IPL in subsequent seasons. Plans are underway to secure top-tier players unsold in the IPL for substantial sums, enhancing the PSL's reputation as a premier cricket league. The board's strategy indicates a robust vision for making the PSL a globally recognized brand in the world of cricket.