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PSL dented massively after IPL auction 2026, ECB non-committal on England players

Poulomi Chakraborty

IPL auction proves to be heavy on PSL (Source: @jamilmusman_/x.com)IPL auction proves to be heavy on PSL (Source: @jamilmusman_/x.com)

Cricket is incomplete without the high-voltage India-Pakistan drama. That rivalry has spilled into franchise battles, where the IPL reigns supreme, and the PSL fights to catch up, dreaming of the same global roar.

For the 2026 season, the IPL and PSL are set on a collision course with overlapping schedules, and the PSL took a major hit right after the IPL 2026 mini-auction. Adding more to their woes, the England Cricket Board is non-committal about the English players for the 11th edition of the tournament.



IPL 2026 mini auction turns into a nightmare for the PSL

Starting in 2008, IPL has emerged as a T20 giant, and their arch-rivals followed their way, starting the Pakistan Super League later on. As both leagues are looking forward to their 2026 season, the recent IPL auction delivered nightmares to the PSL franchises. Sky-high bids have pulled several global stars out of the PSL, leaving the league scrambling for backups.

Matthew Short, Jason Holder, and Ben Dwarshuis were part of the Islamabad United, but after they sealed the deal with CSK, GT, and PBKS respectively, they were ruled out of the PSL. The damage runs deeper for Quetta Gladiators, who will also be without Finn Allen, Akeal Hosein, and Kyle Jamieson as the IPL pulls tighten its grip.

Adding to this, the Peshawar Zalmi will miss the service of Mitchell Owen, who is already on the PBKS side, and after the Gujarat Titans acquired Luke Wood's services for 75 lakh, he will be out of the PSL 2026. Following their way, Tim Seifert and Adam Milne will also miss their PSL journey for the Karachi Kings.

Moreover, Kane Williamson will also miss the season for the Karachi Kings as he has been appointed as Lucknow Super Giants' Strategic advisor. With several marquee names ruled out, PSL franchises faced a massive setback ahead of the tournament.

ECB’s move for England players casts a shadow over PSL

As the Pakistan Super League already faced blows as the big names will be absent from the upcoming edition, the England Cricket Board’s recent verdict toughened their condition. England is set to face New Zealand in a three-match Test series in June 2026, and reports suggest that the board has restricted players from playing PSL.

In a decisive move, the ECB has said that it is free to play the IPL. However, those who go unsold or choose to skip the tournament will be required to rest during that window. Following that, stars like Ben Stokes, Harry Brook, Mark Wood, Jamie Smith, and a few others will miss the PSL 2026.

Adding to the chaos, the upcoming PSL season is brewing fresh drama behind the scenes. Media reports suggest a rift as the Pakistan Cricket Board wants teams to retain only three players, franchises are leaning towards five retentions. As the final decision is yet to be taken, the PSL needs to solve early lows before stepping into the big stage.