Islamabad United Strike Big: Star All-Rounder Faheem Ashraf Joins for Rs 8.5 Crore in Historic PSL 11 Auction

 

Cricket fans in Lahore — and across Pakistan — are still buzzing from the drama at the Expo Centre! The HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 player auction, held on February 11-12, 2026, made history as the league's first-ever open auction format. No more drafts; franchises battled it out in real-time bidding wars for their dream squads ahead of the season running from March 26 to May 3.

And right out of the gate, Islamabad United set the tone by securing one of the most sought-after Pakistani talents: versatile all-rounder Faheem Ashraf. The three-time PSL champions splashed a massive Rs 8.5 crore (PKR 85 million) to bring him back into the fold — making him one of the priciest picks of the day and the first player ever sold in this new auction era.

Faheem's base price started at Rs 4.2 crore, but fierce competition drove the price sky-high. Islamabad United clearly saw him as a game-changer — a reliable left-handed batter who can anchor or accelerate, paired with his sharp right-arm medium-fast bowling that swings the new ball and grips in the middle overs. His experience in death bowling, fielding athleticism, and big-match temperament make him a perfect fit for United's balanced unit.

This isn't just a signing; it's a statement. Faheem has been a consistent performer in domestic cricket and for Pakistan (over 50 T20Is, handy contributions in Tests and ODIs), but injuries and competition for spots limited his recent international exposure. In the PSL, he's delivered fireworks before — explosive cameos, crucial wickets, and that never-say-die energy. Bringing him to the capital franchise reunites him with familiar faces and gives Islamabad a core all-rounder to complement retained captain Shadab Khan (Rs 7 crore) and other big buys.

Islamabad United's auction haul looks stacked:

• Direct signing: Devon Conway (New Zealand batter, Rs 6.3 crore)
• Retained: Shadab Khan (Rs 7 crore), Salman Irshad (Rs 1.2 crore), Andries Gous (Rs 1.4 crore)
• Auction gems: Faheem Ashraf (Rs 8.5 crore), Mark Chapman (New Zealand, Rs 7 crore), Mohammad Wasim Jnr (Rs 4.1 crore), Imad Wasim (Rs 2.2 crore), young U19 star Sameer Minhas (Rs 1.9 crore), Max Bryant (Rs 1.95 crore), Mohammad Hasnain (Rs 77.5 lakh), Shamar Joseph (Rs 1.1 crore), Haider Ali (Rs 1.5 crore), and more.

With depth in batting (Chapman, Conway, Wasim Jnr, Haider), spin options (Shadab, Imad), and pace firepower (Hasnain, Joseph, Faheem himself), United are shaping up as serious contenders for a fourth title. The addition of Faheem adds that X-factor — someone who can turn games with bat or ball in the crunch moments.

The auction itself was electric: Naseem Shah went for a record Rs 8.65 crore to Rawalpindi (now rebranded), Daryl Mitchell fetched Rs 8.05 crore, and overseas stars like Steve Smith (direct signing Rs 14 crore to Sialkot) made headlines. But Faheem's deal kicked things off with a bang, proving Pakistani talent still commands top dollar.

For Lahore folks — whether you're in Gulberg watching highlights on big screens, Johar Town planning watch parties, or Defence hosting friends — PSL season is always special. This year, with eight teams, new owners, and this auction twist, the competition feels fiercer than ever.

Faheem Ashraf in Islamabad United maroon? Expect fireworks, big sixes, key wickets, and plenty of Lahore cheers when they play at home. The Green Shirts spirit lives on in the PSL too!

Stand For Pakistan — celebrating our homegrown stars shining bright and pushing the league to new heights. 🇵🇰🏏

Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only. Stand For Pakistan is not responsible for any claims. All details based on publicly available sources (ProPakistani, Dawn, The Express Tribune, PSL official updates, etc.). Prices and squads can have final tweaks — check official PSL channels for confirmation.