Snubbed from IPL, T20 World Cup, Steve Smith finds a taker in Pakistan Super League
India Today
After going unsold at the Indian Premier League 2026 auction, Australia great Steve Smith has been signed by Sialkot Stallionz for the 11th season of the Pakistan Super League.
After going unsold at the Indian Premier League 2026 auction and missing out on selection for Australia's T20 World Cup squad, Steve Smith has found a new home in the Pakistan Super League. The former Australia captain has been signed by PSL newcomers Sialkot Stallionz ahead of the league's 11th season.
Smith was picked up as a direct signing, a move enabled by a new PSL regulation that allows franchises to sign one player outside the players' draft. The full draft for the upcoming season is scheduled to take place on February 11. Sialkot Stallionz are one of two new teams added to the Pakistan Super League, which has expanded to eight franchises for the 2026 season, with a second new side coming from Hyderabad in Sindh.
The 36-year-old is set to make his PSL debut, with Sialkot Stallionz announcing his signing on Tuesday. Smith will reunite with former Australia captain Tim Paine, who was earlier named head coach of the franchise.
"One of the all time great players is a PSL Stallionz!" Paine posted on X. "Huge for our franchise and the PSL T20."
: A game changer, powerhouse player, we welcome on board as a Stallion!SS x SS - Lets goooooo#SialkotStaliionz #HBLPSL #NewEra pic.twitter.com/OmMNJXBxVA— Sialkot Stallionz (@PSLStallionz) February 3, 2026
Smith's move comes after a prolific run in the Big Bash League earlier this season. Turning out for the Sydney Sixers in BBL 2025-26, Smith scored 299 runs in just six matches, striking at 167.97 and averaging 59.80. His tally included a century and two half centuries and played a key role in the Sixers reaching the final.
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