PSL 2026: Steve Smith signs with Sialkot Stallionz
What's the story
Australian cricket legend Steve Smith has signed a contract with Sialkot Stallionz for the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) edition. This will be his first actual stint in the PSL, as he signed with Multan Sultans in 2019 but did not play due to injury. The move comes as the league transitions from player drafts to auctions for the first time in its history.
Stellar form
Smith coming off stellar BBL run
The Stallionz have made a major signing by bringing on board the former Australian captain Steve Smith. The cricketer was in excellent form for Sydney Sixers in the recently concluded Big Bash League (BBL) season. He scored 299 runs at an impressive strike rate of nearly 168, including a century. Notably, the Sixers lost the final to Perth Scorchers.
Career highlights
Smith's T20 numbers
Smith has played 67 T20Is for Australia, scoring 1,094 runs with a strike rate of 125.45. He was part of the squad that won the T20 World Cup in 2021 and captained the team eight times between August 2015 and March 2016. Overall, Smith has played franchise cricket around, including the Indian Premier League (IPL). He has racked up over 6,200 T20 runs at a strike rate of 131.38 (5 tons).
Coaching collaboration
Smith, Paine reunite at Sialkot Stallionz
At Sialkot Stallionz, Smith will reunite with his former captain Tim Paine. The latter has been appointed as the head coach of this new team. This collaboration is expected to bring a wealth of experience and strategic insight into the team's performance in PSL 2026. Notably, Sialkot Stallionz are one of the two newly added teams in the PSL.