Steve Smith Signs with Sialkot Stallionz for PSL 2026

Australian cricketer Steve Smith has signed with the newly formed Pakistan Super League franchise Sialkot Stallionz for the 2026 season, marking his debut in the competition after being overlooked for Australia's T20 World Cup squad. The 36-year-old veteran batter, known for his technical prowess, joins as the team's direct signing ahead of the league's player auction on February 11.

The move comes amid Smith's strong recent performances, including a standout Big Bash League campaign with the Sydney Sixers, where he scored 299 runs in six innings at an average of 59.80 and a strike rate of nearly 168. His contributions featured one century and two half-centuries, helping the Sixers reach the final, though they lost to the Perth Scorchers. Earlier, Smith played a key role in Australia's 4-1 Ashes series victory over England. Despite this form, selectors excluded him from the 15-player T20 World Cup squad, opting for Travis Head and captain Mitch Marsh to open the batting in the tournament co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, which begins this month.

Smith's signing with Sialkot Stallionz aligns with the Pakistan Super League's expansion to eight teams, adding the Sialkot-based...