Steve Smith Becomes PSL’s Most Expensive Player, Surpasses Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi

Lahore: Australian star cricketer and former captain Steve Smith has become the most expensive player in the history of the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

The newly introduced PSL franchise Sialkot Stallions have signed Steve Smith for the 11th edition of the league. The franchise announced his inclusion through social media, marking Smith’s first-ever appearance in the Pakistan Super League.

According to reports, Sialkot Stallions acquired Steve Smith through direct signing for Rs 140 million, making him the highest-paid player in PSL history to date.

Meanwhile, franchises have also announced the retention amounts for PSL 11. Peshawar Zalmi retained Babar Azam, Lahore Qalandars retained Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Islamabad United retained Shadab Khan, each for Rs 70 million.

For the first time in PSL history, a major change has been introduced in the player selection process. The traditional draft system has been replaced with an auction-based model. Under the new system, franchises are allowed to retain only one player per category instead of eight, while the remaining squad members will be selected through auctions.

This shift marks a significant transformation in the PSL structure, aimed at increasing competitiveness and transparency in player selection.