The former Pakistan all-rounder and captain, Shahid Afridi, has joined the Sialkot Stallionz in the first major off-field signing by appointing him as the mentor of the franchise. The decision is being widely viewed as a statement move by the newly formed Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise as it prepares for its debut season. 

The teams will be under pressure to make an immediate impact as the Pakistanplayer's inclusion adds instant credibility to this franchise’s setup. They are known for their aggressive mindset and leadership presence as the new mentor is expected to play a key role in the team culture building, layer motivation, and high-pressure decision-making.

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In terms of his PSL journey, Afridi joined a long and memorable PSL career spanning seven seasons, representing multiple franchises including Peshawar Zalmi, Karachi Kings, Multan Sultans, and Quetta Gladiators. He retired from playing in February 2022 due to a chronic back injury, but has remained one of the most influential figures in Pakistan’s cricket history.

Shahid Afridi joins Sialkot Stallionz as mentor ahead of PSL 2026 season

The announcement of the new mentor comes just one day after the franchise officially revealed its name as the identity was unveiled through a 3D animated video on X (formerly known as Twitter), reviving the iconic brand as a tribute to the legendary domestic T20 site that dominated Pakistan’s national T20 Cup during the 2000s.  

For the new season, the PSL will move to an auction-based recruitment league, eliminating its old draft system, which it used since its inception a decade ago. The PCB had previously toyed with the idea of a draft or even a system between a draft and auction, which they called a ‘drauction’ before settling on the debate.

Each side will also be allowed to sign one player directly before the new season, outside of the auction system, which raises the value of the team purchases to USD 1.6 million, up from above USD 1.1 million in the past, as the direct signings are only applicable for the players who did not participate in the PSL in the previous season.