The landscape of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) has been forever changed. In the league’s first-ever player auction held at Lahore’s Expo Centre, speedster Naseem Shah became the headline act, securing a monumental deal with the newly rebranded Rawalpindi franchise for a staggering Rs. 8.65 crore (86.5 million PKR).
This historic signing not only makes Naseem one of the most expensive players in the league’s history but also signals a bold new era for the Rawalpindi squad.
The Bidding War: How Rawalpindi Secured the Star
The auction room was electric when Naseem Shah’s name came up. Known for his lethal pace and ability to swing the ball both ways, he was the top target for several franchises.
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Initial Bids: The bidding started aggressively, with Karachi Kings and Islamabad United locked in a fierce back-and-forth.
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The Turning Point: As the price crossed the 7-crore mark, Rawalpindi entered the fray with a decisive series of bids.
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The Final Blow: Rawalpindi placed the winning bid of Rs. 8.65 crore, forcing Karachi Kings to finally bow out.
The Rebranding of Rawalpindi
For fans wondering about the “Rawalpindi” name this is the newest chapter in PSL history. Earlier this week, Walee Technologies acquired the rights to the franchise formerly known as Multan Sultans for a record Rs. 2.45 billion. Upon taking ownership, they immediately rebranded the team to Rawalpindi, moving the franchise’s home to the iconic Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
PSL 2026: A Shift to the Auction System
The 11th edition of the PSL has ditched the traditional “Draft” system in favor of a live Player Auction, similar to the IPL. This shift has significantly driven up player valuations:
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Naseem Shah: Rs. 8.65 Crore (Rawalpindi)
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Haris Rauf: Rs. 7.6 Crore (Retained by Lahore Qalandars)
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Salman Ali Agha: Rs. 5.85 Crore (Karachi Kings)
“Naseem Shah is a generational talent. Securing him was our top priority to build a bowling attack that scares any opposition,” said a representative from the Rawalpindi management following the auction.
What This Means for Rawalpindi’s Squad
By securing Naseem Shah, Rawalpindi has established a “Pace Battery” that will be the envy of the league. Naseem joins a squad that already features Mohammad Rizwan (retained in the Platinum category), setting the stage for a powerhouse team in the 2026 season.
Key Highlights of the Deal
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Role: Lead Fast Bowler
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Price: Rs. 8.65 Crore (PKR 86.5 Million)
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Team: Rawalpindi (formerly Multan Sultans)
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Status: Highest bid of the PSL 11 Auction session
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who bought Naseem Shah in PSL 11?
Naseem Shah was bought by the newly rebranded Rawalpindi franchise.
2. What was Naseem Shah’s price in the PSL 11 auction?
He was sold for Rs. 8.65 crore (86.5 million PKR).
3. Why is Naseem Shah’s signing historic?
It is one of the highest bids in PSL history and the top deal of the PSL 11 auction session.
4. Which team did Rawalpindi replace in PSL?
Rawalpindi replaced Multan Sultans after Walee Technologies acquired the franchise.
5. What major change happened in PSL 2026?
PSL 2026 introduced a live player auction, replacing the traditional draft system.
6. Where will Rawalpindi play its home matches?
The team will play at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
