Overlooked for Australia’s T20 World Cup squad despite impressive recent form, veteran batter Steve Smith has signed up with new Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Sialkot Stallionz in a bid to revive his T20 career and push for a return to the national short-format side.
Smith’s omission came even after strong performances in the Ashes and a productive Big Bash League (BBL) season with the Sydney Sixers. The T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, is scheduled to begin on February 7.
According to a report by cricket.com.au, the 36-year-old is the first player to be signed by the Sialkot Stallionz. Smith has earlier expressed his ambition to feature at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where cricket will return to the global stage in the T20 format.
The former Australia captain has also hinted at taking a flexible approach to his future in the game. “One day I might wake up and say I’ve had enough,” Smith had said recently, underlining his day-to-day outlook on continuing his career.
Sialkot Stallionz and Hyderabad Kingsmen are the two new teams introduced in the 2026 PSL season, expanding the tournament to eight franchises.
The Stallionz have appointed former Australia Test captain and current Australia ‘A’ team coach Tim Paine as head coach, while former fast bowler Jason Gillespie will lead the Hyderabad Kingsmen.
The PSL will hold its first-ever auction on February 11. However, Smith has been secured as a “direct signing”, a provision that allows each franchise to sign one player ahead of the draft.
