In an attempt to regain his spot in the national short-format team, experienced batsman Steve Smith, who was left out of Australia’s T20 World Cup squad despite his impressive form, has joined the new franchise Sialkot Stallionz of the Pakistan Super League.
Smith was overlooked for the T20 World Cup, which India and Sri Lanka will co-host starting on February 7, despite being a standout player in the Ashes and having a fantastic Big Bash League season with the Sydney Sixers.
According to cricket.com.au, Smith is the first player signed by Stallionz and has stated that he wants to play in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, which will see cricket return in the T20 format.
The 36-year-old has already stated that he will approach his playing career on a daily basis, stating, “One day I might wake up and say I’ve had enough.”
There will be eight teams in the 2026 PSL after the addition of the Stallionz and Hyderabad Kingsmen.
The Hyderabad team will be coached by former bowler Jason Gillespie, while the Stallionz have named former Australia Test captain and current ‘A’ team coach Tim Paine as their coach.
According to the report, Smith has been signed as a “direct signing” and each team is permitted to acquire one player prior to the draft day. The first PSL auction in the tournament’s history will take place on February 11.
In six BBL innings, Smith scored 299 runs for the Sydney Sixers.
