PSL 2026 Teams Retentions Price Who Stayed, Who Left, and What They Cost
The Pakistan Super League 2026 retention window has closed, and franchises have made some massive calls. While some teams stuck with their core players, others took bold risks by releasing big names. If you’re tracking PSL 2026 schedule, you’ll want to know which stars are locked in and which ones are heading to the auction pool.
The biggest shocker? Multan Sultans didn’t retain a single player. Meanwhile, premium captains like Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Shadab Khan commanded the maximum retention price of 7 crore PKR. Here’s everything you need to know about retention decisions across all six franchises as we build up to HBL PSL 2026.
Why PSL 2026 Retentions Matter
Retentions shape championship ambitions. Teams banking on proven performers lock them early, while others prefer auction flexibility. This year’s retention prices reveal franchise strategies heading into what promises to be the most competitive PSL edition yet.
With the points table set to reflect new combinations, retention calls will directly impact team chemistry and performance.
PSL 2026 Retentions: Complete Team-by-Team Breakdown
Lahore Qalandars Retentions
| Player Name | Position | Retention Price |
|---|---|---|
| Shaheen Afridi | Captain/Bowler | 7 Crore |
| Sikander Raza | All-rounder | 2.8 Crore |
| Abdullah Shafique | Batsman | 2.2 Crore |
| Muhammad Naeem | Wicketkeeper | 70 Lacs |
Total Spent: 12.8 Crore
Lahore Qalandars put their faith in captain Shaheen Afridi, matching him at the league’s highest retention bracket. The defending champions kept their core intact with Sikander Raza providing batting firepower and Abdullah Shafique anchoring the top order. Muhammad Naeem stays as backup keeper at an economical price.
Strategy: Balance and continuity. They’re keeping the winning formula alive.
Peshawar Zalmi Retentions
| Player Name | Position | Retention Price |
|---|---|---|
| Babar Azam | Captain/Batsman | 7 Crore |
| Sufiyan Muqeem | Bowler | 4.48 Crore |
| Abdul Samad | All-rounder | 2.8 Crore |
| Ali Raza | Bowler | 1.96 Crore |
Total Spent: 16.24 Crore
Peshawar went all-in on Babar Azam, making him their marquee retention. Sufiyan Muqeem’s 4.48 crore price tag shows how much Zalmi values his bowling prowess. Abdul Samad brings explosive lower-order hitting, while Ali Raza adds depth to the pace attack.
Strategy: Star power meets strategic depth. Babar’s leadership combined with quality support players.Islamabad United Retentions
| Player Name | Position | Retention Price |
|---|---|---|
| Shadab Khan | Captain/All-rounder | 7 Crore |
| Andries Gous | Wicketkeeper/Batsman | 1.4 Crore |
| Salman Irshad | Bowler | 1.2 Crore |
Total Spent: 9.6 Crore
Islamabad kept things minimal, retaining only three players. Shadab Khan gets the maximum retention price as captain and premier all-rounder. Andries Gous offers international experience behind the stumps, while Salman Irshad provides pace bowling options.
Strategy: Maximum auction flexibility. They’re keeping purse heavy for aggressive bidding.
Quetta Gladiators Retentions
| Player Name | Position | Retention Price |
|---|---|---|
| Abrar Ahmed | Bowler | 7 Crore |
| Usman Tariq | Bowler | 5.6 Crore |
| Hasan Nawaz | Bowler | 3.92 Crore |
| Shamyl Hussain | All-rounder | 84 Lacs |
Total Spent: 17.36 Crore
Quetta made a statement by retaining Abrar Ahmed at 7 crore—the highest-paid spinner in PSL 2026 retentions. Usman Tariq’s 5.6 crore retention shows they’re building around bowling strength. Hasan Nawaz adds variety, while Shamyl Hussain comes cheap as a future prospect.
Strategy: Bowl teams out. Heavy investment in spin and pace depth.
Karachi Kings Retentions
| Player Name | Position | Retention Price |
|---|---|---|
| Hasan Ali | Bowler | 4.76 Crore |
| Khushdil Shah | All-rounder | 3.36 Crore |
| Abbas Afridi | Bowler | 3.08 Crore |
| Saad Baig | Wicketkeeper | 60 Lacs |
Total Spent: 11.8 Crore
Karachi didn’t retain a captain, signaling they’ll either buy one at auction or promote internally. Hasan Ali leads their retention list at 4.76 crore, with Khushdil Shah providing finishing abilities. Abbas Afridi adds pace firepower, while Saad Baig is a budget-friendly wicketkeeping option.
Strategy: Balanced approach without breaking the bank. Room for auction surprises.
Multan Sultans Retentions
| Player Name | Position | Retention Price |
|---|---|---|
| NONE | – | 0 |
Total Spent: 0 Crore
Multan Sultans shocked everyone by releasing their entire squad, including big names. They enter the auction with the fullest purse, giving them maximum flexibility to rebuild from scratch.
Strategy: Complete rebuild. They’re banking on auction strategy over continuity.
Key Retention Insights
Highest-Paid Players (7 Crore Each):
- Shaheen Afridi (Lahore Qalandars)
- Babar Azam (Peshawar Zalmi)
- Shadab Khan (Islamabad United)
- Abrar Ahmed (Quetta Gladiators)
Biggest Surprise: Multan Sultans’ complete squad release
Most Retained Players: Quetta Gladiators and Peshawar Zalmi (4 each)
Least Retained Players: Islamabad United (3), Multan Sultans (0)
What This Means for PSL 2026
Retention decisions set the tone for auction battles. Teams with heavy retentions have less purse flexibility but stronger cores. Multan’s bold move means they’ll dominate early auction rounds, potentially outbidding everyone for premium players.
Expect fierce competition for quality all-rounders, foreign stars, and backup bowlers. The tournament dynamics will shift based on who franchises land at the auction table.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Which team retained the most expensive player in PSL 2026?
Four teams retained players at 7 crore: Lahore (Shaheen), Peshawar (Babar), Islamabad (Shadab), and Quetta (Abrar).
Q2: Why did Multan Sultans not retain any player?
Multan chose complete auction flexibility, entering with the fullest purse to rebuild strategically.
Q3: What is the total retention budget for PSL 2026 teams?
Each franchise had specific budgets, with retention prices varying based on player value and team strategy.
Q4: When is the PSL 2026 auction scheduled?
The official auction date will be announced soon by the Pakistan Cricket Board.
Q5: Can teams buy back released players at auction?
Yes, franchises can bid for any player in the auction pool, including those they previously released.
Q6: Which position saw the highest retention prices?
Captains and premium all-rounders commanded the highest prices at 7 crore.
Final Thoughts
PSL 2026 retention prices reveal contrasting philosophies—some teams bet on proven stars, others chase auction flexibility. With tournament action approaching fast, these decisions will shape title races and fan excitement.
Stay locked in for auction updates, squad announcements, and everything PSL 2026!
