Australian cricket star Steve Smith has reportedly signed with the Sialkot Stallions after reviewing the franchise’s competitive offer. Sources confirmed he was also convinced by the professional management structure.
Smith’s signing follows his impressive recent performances in the Big Bash League. There, he displayed strong form and consistency. As a result, his value increased across global T20 leagues.
In another major development, former Australian captain Tim Paine has been appointed as the head coach of the Sialkot Stallions. The franchise officially announced his appointment through its social media channels.
The inclusion of Paine is seen as a strategic move to strengthen leadership, discipline, and tactical depth. This is key ahead of the Pakistan Super League Season 11.
For PSL Season 11, the OZ Group made history by acquiring the Sialkot franchise for 10 years at a record price of PKR 185 crore. This deal makes it the most expensive franchise deal in PSL history.
The acquisition reflects growing investor confidence in the PSL’s commercial potential and global standing.
Majid Chaudhry: Vision Behind the Stallions
The Sialkot Stallions are led by entrepreneur Majid Chaudhry. He is a native of Faisalabad who spent many years in Australia before returning to Pakistan two years ago.
In an interview with a private TV channel, Chaudhry said his return was driven by patriotism and a desire to contribute to Pakistan’s progress. He stressed that cricket remains the only sport capable of uniting the entire nation.
Chaudhry revealed that he spent over 18 months working toward acquiring a PSL franchise. At a time when many choose to leave the country, he said he made a conscious decision to return.
Steve Smith will feature in PSL 2026 after being directly signed by the new franchise Sialkot Stallionz for the upcoming season.#SteveSmith #PSL2026 pic.twitter.com/Odi89wSE6N
— CricTracker (@Cricketracker) February 3, 2026PSL’s Global Ambition
According to Chaudhry, the PSL has evolved beyond a domestic league and now serves as a global identity for Pakistan. Moreover, he claimed the PSL is currently the second-largest T20 league in the world. He added that league management aims to make it number one through sustained quality and professionalism.
Read: Jason Gillespie Named Head Coach of PSL’s Hyderabad Franchise
Discussing team philosophy, Chaudhry said the franchise will prioritise guidance from Pakistan’s cricket legends rather than relying heavily on foreign mentors. Furthermore, he highlighted his close relationship with icons such as Shoaib Akhtar and Shahid Afridi. He described them as elder brothers.
He concluded by emphasising the PSL’s role in reviving international cricket in Pakistan. In addition, he pointed to its success in presenting a positive image of the country’s economy and sporting culture worldwide.
