A week before the highly anticipated PSL 11 auction, three of the tournament’s biggest franchises have made major strategic statements with high-profile direct signings. Islamabad United, Karachi Kings, and Lahore Qalandars have each snapped up international stars—Devon Conway, Moeen Ali, and Mustafizur Rahman respectively—as they look to solidify their cores before heading into Pakistan Super League’s new era of auction-based player recruitment.
The moves not only reflect shifting power dynamics in franchise strategy but also signal a sharp focus on experience and versatility heading into the 2026 season.
Islamabad United make power play with Conway signing
In a move that sent waves through the PSL circuit, Islamabad United confirmed the signing of New Zealand’s Devon Conway for a reported PKR 63 million (approx. US$ 225K). The franchise, which recently brought in Luke Ronchi as head coach and fellow Kiwi Jacob Oram to the support staff, now adds a seasoned top-order weapon to its batting arsenal.
Conway, a left-handed opener with success across formats, is known for his stability and explosiveness in equal measure. He is also the fourth-fastest player in T20I history to reach 1,000 runs—a feat the team proudly referenced in its unveiling:
“The 4th Fastest man to reach 1,000 runs in T20I cricket joins Islamabad United. Devon Conway it is! The Kiwi star is ready to light up the #HBLPSL11 as our direct signing,” Islamabad United said in a social media post on X.
📢📢 The 4th Fastest man to reach 1,000 runs in T20I cricket joins Islamabad United.@D_Conway88 it is!! The Kiwi star is ready to light up the #HBLPSL11 as our direct signing.
Welcome to the #ISLUFamily 🦁#UnitedWeWin #DimaghSe #NewEra pic.twitter.com/DGYoKlw6Mi
— Islamabad United (@IsbUnited) February 4, 2026
Conway’s arrival further complements a core that includes retained stars Shadab Khan in the Platinum category for PKR 70 million (approx. US$ 250K), Salman Irshad in Gold for PKR 14 million (approx. US$ 50K), and Andries Gous in Silver for PKR 12 million (approx. US$ 43K). With the player auction set for February 11, United is well-positioned to shape one of the most balanced squads in the competition.
Moeen Ali bolsters Karachi Kings with all-round strength
Karachi Kings made their own splash by bringing in England’s Moeen Ali, a player with over 300 international appearances. The franchise secured the all-rounder for PKR 64.4 million (approx. US$ 230K), tapping into his proven ability with both bat and ball in global T20 leagues.
The team welcomed Moeen in classic fashion:
“We’re excited to announce England’s explosive force, Moeen Ali, joining the #KingsSquad for PKR 6.44 Crore in the HBL PSL 11! Let’s create magic together,” Karachi Kings announced through a social media post on X.
🚨 Direct Signing Alert 🚨
We’re excited to announce England’s 🏴 explosive force, Moeen Ali, joining the #KingsSquad for PKR 6.44 Crore in the HBL PSL 11! 💙❤
Let’s create magic together 🪄 pic.twitter.com/VSyBqQ9czj
— Karachi Kings (@KarachiKingsARY) February 4, 2026
Moeen himself expressed excitement at being part of the league’s new chapter:
“I’m really excited to be joining HBL PSL in its New Era. The league has earned a reputation for top-level T20 cricket, with high-quality competition and world-class talent across every team,” he said in an Instagram post.
Last year, Moeen had declared interest in rejoining the PSL following its expansion plans. Having previously won the 2021 title with Multan Sultans, he now joins Karachi alongside retained talents Hasan Ali (Platinum), Abbas Afridi (Diamond), Khushdil Shah (Gold), and Saad Baig (Emerging).
Lahore Qalandars reunite with Mustafizur Rahman
Lahore Qalandars confirmed a sentimental return, announcing the direct signing of Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman for PKR 64.4 million (approx. US$ 230K). A Qalandars pick in 2016 and 2018, Mustafizur re-joins the franchise amid off-field drama that saw him released from the IPL’s Kolkata Knight Riders.
KKR had acquired Mustafizur in the IPL mini-auction for INR 9.2 crore (approx. US$ 1 million) before his sudden release following directives from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The fallout escalated into a diplomatic row, with Bangladesh banning IPL broadcasts and requesting ICC to shift their World Cup matches out of India—eventually leading to their exclusion.
Fizzzzzz 💚
Our Bangladeshi brother, @Mustafiz90, picked in 2016 and 2018, is now our direct signing and finally back with the family. Once a Qalandar, always a Qalandar. 🫂
Amount spent on DS: PKR 6.44 Crore 💰#Number1TeamForAReason #QalandarDilSe pic.twitter.com/rLMTJB6ybh
— Lahore Qalandars (@lahoreqalandars) February 5, 2026
Against that backdrop, Qalandars announced the signing with deep emotion:
“Our Bangladeshi brother, Mustafizur, picked in 2016 and 2018, is now our direct signing and finally back with the family. Once a Qalandar, always a Qalandar,” the team said in an announcement on their X account.
Franchise owner Sameen Rana echoed the sentiment in a press comment, saying:
“Mustafizur is not just a player; he’s a brother, a key part of our family who never left.”
The left-arm seamer, known for his death-over mastery and deceptive cutters, joins a retained core of Shaheen Afridi, Abdullah Shafique, Sikandar Raza, and Mohammad Naeem—giving Lahore one of the most experienced bowling lineups going into the new season.
Strategic shifts ahead of historic auction
All three franchises have moved swiftly to capitalise on the new PSL rules, which allow one direct overseas signing per team prior to the auction. The Pakistan Cricket Board’s overhaul of the player acquisition model has also expanded the player purse to US$ 1.6 million per franchise, replacing the long-standing draft system with a full-scale auction.
With PSL 11 set to begin on March 26 and Faisalabad returning as a host venue for the first time, teams are now racing to assemble squads that combine elite experience with domestic strength. These direct signings have not only added international firepower—but have set the tone for a defining new era in Pakistan Super League history.
