The newly-introduced Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Sialkot Stallionz has made a big statement ahead of the 11th edition of the tournament by signing on the former skipper of the Australian team Steve Smith. The next PSL season is scheduled to take place from March 26 to May 3.
According to sources, Smith was signed directly by the franchise before the official playersβ auction for PSL 11, ensuring his availability for PSL 11. The high-profile acquisition reflects the ambitions of the new team, as it gears up for its first season.
Earlier, Sialkot Stallionz had appointed another former Australian captain Tim Paine as their head coach. The news was posted on the franchise’s official social media channels along with an animated poster that greeted him to the team.
“We are proud to announce Tim Paine as Head Coach of Sialkot Stallionz,” the post said. “Former Australian captain. Proven leader at the highest level. A championship state of mind to lead a new era. Welcome to the family of the Stallionz Coach.”
The franchise was bought in PSL 2026 auction held at the Jinnah Convention Centre on January 8, by Hamza Majeed and Kamil Khan’s OZ Developers. OZ Developers acquired the team rights at an all-time record bid of Rs1.85 billion, which was one of the biggest investments in PSL’s history.
Meanwhile, Smith recently made news at a ‘Big Bash League’ (BBL) match in Sydney Cricket Ground where Babar Azam, the Pakistan captain, was playing.
In a match between Sydney Sixers and Sydney Thunder, Smith refused a single on the last ball of an over to still have strike for the Power Surge. He then launched a blistering attack scoring 32 in the next over, including 30 from the first four deliveries.
Babar, who had been batting fluently in the chase, was dismissed on the next ball faced by him and was seen expressing his frustration.
Also read: Sialkot Stallionz add star power off the field ahead of PSL 11
