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The Pakistan Super League (PSL) is entering a bold new era. Today, February 3, 2026, the Sialkot Stallionz officially confirmed the direct signing of Australian icon Steve Smith. This landmark acquisition brings one of cricket’s most prolific batsmen to the league’s newest and most expensive franchise, worth PKR 1.85 billion.
Elite Form & Record-Breaking Stats
Steve Smith arrives in Pakistan on the back of a sensational run in the Big Bash League (BBL). As a cornerstone player for the Sydney Sixers, Smith has displayed elite form during the 2025/26 season. Notably, he scored 299 runs at a dominant average of 59.80. His explosive batting is further highlighted by a staggering strike rate of 167.97.
Additionally, Smith currently holds the joint record for the most centuries in BBL history, with 4 tons to his name. This includes a record-setting, incredibly fast 41-ball hundred. Furthermore, Smith has already signed on to continue his legacy with the Sixers in BBL|16. His recent performances prove he remains a high-impact player capable of immense power hitting.
The Strategic Direct Signing
The Sialkot Stallionz secured Smith through a specialised recruitment window. Under the rules for PSL 11, expansion teams like Sialkot and Hyderabad can sign up to five players directly. Smith was eligible for this move because he did not participate in the tenth edition (PSL 10) of the tournament.
By signing Smith directly, the Stallionz have bypassed the general player auction scheduled for February 11. This move provides the debutant franchise with an immediate leadership anchor and world-class star power. Moreover, the acquisition fits within the team’s total salary purse of $1.6 million, which must cover the entire squad.
A Historic Investment for Sialkot Stallionz
The Sialkot Stallionz are making history both on and off the field. OZ Developers, led by Hamza Majeed and Kamil Khan, acquired the franchise for a record-breaking PKR 1.85 billion (approximately $6.55 million) per year. This valuation makes the Stallionz the most expensive team in PSL history.
To manage this high-stakes debut, the franchise has adopted an Australian-centric leadership model. Former Australian Test captain Tim Paine will serve as the head coach. Meanwhile, local legend Shoaib Malik is expected to take on a coaching role. While the team represents Sialkot, they will host their home matches at Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad for the 2026 season due to infrastructure conditions at Jinnah Stadium.
PSL 11 officially kicks off on March 26, 2026. With Steve Smith’s explosive form and a record-breaking management team, the Sialkot Stallionz are ready to make a massive impact.
