Steve Smith Scripts History as PSL’s Highest-Paid Player. -

The Sialkot Stallionz, one of the two new teams added for the 2026 season, have made a massive statement by signing Steve Smith as their first-ever player. Signed through a direct overseas pick allowed by the PCB, Smith’s deal has instantly set a new benchmark for player valuations in the league.

Record-Breaking Financials

Salary Comparison: Smith’s Rs 14 Crore salary is exactly double the Rs 7 Crore earned by top Pakistani platinum-category players like Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Shadab Khan.
Auction Transition: The signing comes as PSL 11 introduces a major shift from the traditional draft format to an auction model, which is scheduled for February 11, 2026.
Market Demand: Smith’s stock rose significantly after his dominant performance in the Big Bash League 2026, where he scored 299 runs at an average of 59.80 for the Sydney Sixers.

Sialkot’s Strategy

By securing a global face even before the draft, the Stallionz aim to enter the league with authority. The PCB’s new rules allowed each franchise to sign one foreign player directly, provided they were not part of the previous season, a loophole the Sialkot franchise used to land the Australian maestro.