Steve Smith’s T20 journey has taken a fresh turn. After going unsold at the IPL 2026 auction, the Australian batter has signed with new PSL team Sialkot Stallionz as a direct signing before the players’ draft.
Sialkot Stallionz are one of two new franchises added for PSL 2026. Their entry takes the total number of teams in the league to eight, marking a big expansion season for Pakistan’s T20 competition.
The franchise announced Smith as a marquee name, calling him a game changer and a powerhouse player. The signing gives the new team instant star value ahead of their first season.
Smith will also reunite with a familiar face in the dugout. Former Australia captain Tim Paine has been named head coach of Sialkot Stallionz, offering Smith leadership he knows well from international cricket.
The move comes despite Smith being in strong T20 form. The 36-year-old scored 299 runs in six innings for Sydney Sixers in the BBL 2025-26 season, with one century and two fifties, and helped the team reach the final.
Yet, those numbers did not earn him a place in Australia’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad. He was also overlooked by all IPL teams at the 2026 auction, a surprise given his recent performances.
Smith has been open about where he stands. He admitted his T20 World Cup chances are likely over but said he is relaxed and focused on enjoying his cricket wherever he plays.
“I always want to play for Australia in big tournaments. But I think that ship has sailed,” Smith said. “I reckon they have two opening batters doing pretty well. I am relaxed doing what I can here and having some fun.”
However, his international ambitions are not fully closed. Smith has set his sights on the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, if cricket is part of the Games, and sees leagues like the PSL as a way to stay relevant.
“My main goal is to get on the team when the Olympics are rolling around,” he said. “I would be keen to do that. Keep doing what I am doing, and you never know.”
For Sialkot Stallionz, signing Steve Smith sends a clear message. For Smith, the PSL offers a fresh stage to perform, enjoy the game, and keep one eye on a unique Olympic dream.