Steve Smith Joins PSL Franchise Sialkot Stallionz Ahead Of Mega Auction In February

Sialkot Stallionz signed former Australia captain Steve Smith as their first marquee player ahead of the 11th season of the Pakistan Super League.

Pakistan Super League’s (PSL) newest franchise, Sialkot Stallionz, announced the signing of former Australia captain Steve Smith ahead of the league’s 11th season. The PSL is scheduled to run from March 26 to May 3, and Smith becomes the franchise’s first marquee acquisition ahead of their debut campaign.

The signing was officially announced through the team’s social media platforms, although the post was deleted shortly after. Under the league’s updated recruitment system, each franchise is allowed to sign one player directly, and the Stallionz chose the experienced Australian batter for that slot.

Steve Smith had earlier been picked up at the IPL auction, with reports suggesting that Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) were considering him as a potential replacement for banned Mustafizur Rahman.

Steve Smith’s T20 Record

Smith brings vast experience from T20 leagues around the world, having featured in the Big Bash League (BBL), Indian Premier League (IPL), The Hundred, Caribbean Premier League (CPL) and the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). Across domestic and franchise T20 cricket, he has played 272 matches, scoring over 6,200 runs at a strike rate exceeding 131, including 30 half-centuries and five centuries.

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In the most recent BBL season, Smith represented the Sydney Sixers and was in excellent form. He scored 299 runs in just six matches at a strike rate close to 168, registering one century and two half-centuries, performances that helped the Sixers reach the tournament final.

Coaching Setup and Franchise Details

Earlier, the Stallionz had announced their support staff, appointing former Australian captain and wicketkeeper Tim Paine as head coach. Paine, who played 35 Tests and 35 ODIs for Australia and also led the national Test side, brings valuable leadership and coaching experience to the new franchise.

The Sialkot franchise was secured with a winning bid of PKR 1.85 billion per year at the PSL auction held in Islamabad. With two new teams added this season, the PSL will expand from six to eight franchises, marking the largest expansion in the league’s history.