Steven Smith Set to Make PSL Debut with Sialkot Stallionz in 2026

Former Australia captain Steven Smith is set to make his debut in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) in 2026 after being unveiled as the first direct signing of newly formed franchise Sialkot Stallionz.

The 36-year-old batter, who has not represented Australia in T20 Internationals for the past two years, joins the PSL on the back of an outstanding Big Bash League (BBL) season. Playing for the Sydney Sixers, Smith scored 299 runs at an average of just under 60 and a strike rate of 167.97, including one century and two half-centuries, as the Sixers finished runners-up. He opened the batting in several matches alongside Pakistan star Babar Azam, who endured a comparatively modest tournament.

Sialkot Stallionz are one of two new franchises set to debut in the 11th edition of the PSL. The team was purchased by Pakistani-Australian real estate magnate Hamza Majeed for a franchise fee of PKR 1.85 billion (USD 6.55 million) per year—the highest among the league’s eight teams. Adding to the franchise’s Australian influence, former Australia Test captain Tim Paine was announced as head coach last week.

Reacting to Smith’s signing, Paine wrote on X:
“One of the all-time great players is a PSL Stallionz! Huge for our franchise and the PSL T20.”

The PSL will hold a full auction on February 11, marking the first time squads will be assembled through an auction system rather than a draft. Teams will be permitted to select between 16 and 20 players, including five to seven overseas cricketers. All players acquired—whether retained or bought at auction—will be signed on two-year contracts. Each franchise must also select one uncapped local player under the age of 23 who has yet to feature in the PSL.

Smith’s recruitment was made possible by a newly introduced regulation allowing franchises to directly sign one player outside the auction. While each team has a base auction purse of PKR 450 million (USD 1.6 million), this can be increased to PKR 505 million (USD 1.8 million) to accommodate such a signing.

The 2026 PSL season is scheduled to begin on March 26, with the final set to be played on May 3.