- Australian star to play in Pakistan Super League for the first time
- Sialkot Stallionz unveil Smith as first direct signing ahead of inaugural season
Steven Smith is set to make his Pakistan Super League (PSL) debut in 2026 after being signed by Sialkot Stallionz, one of the two new franchises joining the tournament. Smith, 36, will arrive in the PSL fresh off a stellar Big Bash League (BBL) campaign, where he scored 299 runs at an average of just under 60, striking at 167.97, including a century and two fifties for the Sydney Sixers.
The Stallionz, purchased by Pakistani-Australian businessman Hamza Majeed for a franchise fee of PKR 1.85 billion, the highest in PSL history, also announced former Australian captain Tim Paine as head coach for the 2026 season. Paine celebrated Smith’s arrival on X, calling him “one of the all-time great players” and a “huge boost” for the franchise.
This season, the PSL will hold a full auction on February 11, the first time squads will be filled via auction rather than draft. Each franchise can sign 16–20 players, including five to seven overseas stars, and retain one direct signing outside the auction purse, which can be increased to accommodate marquee players like Smith.
The 11th PSL season will start on March 26, with the final scheduled for May 3, as Sialkot Stallionz aim to make an immediate impact in their debut campaign with a strong Australian influence at the top of the order.
