Former Australia captain Steve Smith has joined Pakistan Super League newcomers Sialkot Stallionz ahead of the 2026 season, the franchise announced on Tuesday. Smith was signed directly by the Sialkot-based team before the PSL player auction, in line with league rules that allow each franchise one direct signing of a foreign player who did not feature in the previous season. This will be Smith’s first appearance in the PSL.
The move comes weeks after Sialkot Stallionz were officially confirmed as one of the league’s two new franchises. Smith is expected to play a key role in the side and could also be considered for captaincy.
The veteran batter was last seen playing in the Big Bash League for Sydney Sixers, where he impressed despite joining the tournament midway. Smith scored 299 runs in six matches at an average of 59.80, including one century and two half-centuries. He finished as the Sixers’ highest run-scorer and helped the team reach the final, which they lost to Perth Scorchers.
Smith had gone unsold in the IPL 2025 auction but continues to be a sought-after player in franchise cricket. He brings vast experience, having played 272 T20 matches, scoring 6,242 runs at an average of 32.68 and a strike rate of 131.38, with five hundreds and 30 half-centuries.
Earlier, the franchise appointed former Australia captain Tim Paine as head coach. The announcement was made through the team’s social media platforms. Paine has previous coaching experience with Adelaide Strikers and Australia A teams.
The Pakistan Super League 2026 is scheduled to begin on March 26.
