Australian batter Steve Smith has become the most expensive player in Pakistan Super League (PSL) history after securing a staggering PKR 14 crore deal in the tournament’s revamped 11th edition. The former Australia captain was signed directly by new franchise Sialkot Stallions for approximately USD 500,000, marking a landmark moment for the league. His acquisition underlines PSL’s growing financial muscle and global appeal.
The 11th edition of the PSL introduces significant structural changes, including an expansion from six to eight teams and the replacement of the traditional draft system with a full-fledged players’ auction. The auction, held in Lahore, attracted a strong pool of international talent such as David Warner, Adam Zampa, Daryl Mitchell, Devon Conway, Rilee Rossouw, and Marnus Labuschagne, among others. In total, 103 players were picked by the eight franchises.
Among Pakistani players, fast bowler Naseem Shah emerged as the most expensive signing after being acquired by Islamabad United for PKR 8.65 crore. The same franchise also secured all-rounder Faheem Ashraf for PKR 8.5 crore. Meanwhile, Saim Ayub became the costliest retained player at PKR 12.2 crore for Peshawar Zalmi, while Babar Azam was retained by the franchise for PKR 7 crore.
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The upcoming PSL season is scheduled to run from March 26 to May 3 and will directly overlap with the Indian Premier League (IPL), setting up a high-profile clash in the global T20 calendar. The scheduling overlap is expected to test player availability, broadcast dynamics, and commercial competitiveness between the two leagues.
Two new franchises, Sialkot and Hyderabad, have joined the competition after their ownership rights were reportedly purchased by overseas Pakistani businessmen for substantial sums. Additionally, Multan Sultans has been sold and rebranded as Rawalpindi under new ownership. With record-breaking signings and structural reforms, the PSL’s 11th edition signals an ambitious new chapter for Pakistan’s premier T20 competition.
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