Sialkot Stallionz sign Steve Smith for PSL 11

Sialkot: The newly inducted Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Sialkot Stallionz has signed former Australian captain Steve Smith for the landmark 11th edition of the tournament, scheduled to run from March 26 to May 3, sources told ARY News on Tuesday.

According to sources, Steve Smith was signed directly ahead of the players’ auction and will represent Sialkot Stallionz in PSL 11.

Earlier, Sialkot Stallionz had appointed former Australian captain Tim Paine as the team’s head coach. The announcement was made through the franchise’s official social media handles, accompanied by an animated poster.

“We’re proud to announce Tim Paine as the Head Coach of Sialkot Stallionz,” the post read. “Former Australian captain. Proven leader at the highest level. A championship mindset to lead a new era. Welcome to the Stallionz family, Coach,” it added.

The Sialkot Stallionz franchise was acquired by OZ Developers, owned by Hamza Majeed and Kamil Khan, during the historic PSL 2026 auction held at the Jinnah Convention Centre on January 8. OZ Developers secured the franchise rights with a record bid of Rs 1.85 billion.

Steve Smith recently made headlines following a brief on-field controversy involving Pakistan captain Babar Azam during a Big Bash League (BBL) match at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

The incident occurred during a fixture between the Sydney Sixers and Sydney Thunder when Smith declined a single on the final ball of an over, choosing to keep the strike for the Power Surge.

Smith capitalised on the decision by smashing a record-breaking 32 runs in the following over, including 30 runs off the first four deliveries.

Babar Azam, who had been batting fluently during the chase, was dismissed on the very next ball he faced. Following his dismissal, Babar was seen expressing visible frustration by striking the boundary cushions with his bat.