Top 5 most expensive players of PSL 2026 ft. Daryl Mitchell

The Pakistan Super League (PSL) made history on Wednesday as it held its first-ever player auction, replacing the traditional draft system. The auction took place at the Expo Centre in Lahore, where eight teams, including new franchises Sialkot Stallions and Hyderabad Houston Kingsmen, completed their squads for PSL 11. The tournament will be played from March 26 to May 3. Teams were allowed to retain only four players, so franchises spent heavily to rebuild their squads, with many players crossing PKR 80 million (approx ₹2.4 crore).

According to media reports, the new franchise Sialkot Stallions signed Steve Smith through a direct signing. The team confirmed the deal on social media, marking Smith’s first appearance in the Pakistan Super League. Reports say he was signed for PKR 140 million (approx ₹4.2 crore), making him the most expensive player in PSL history.

Other top signings also grabbed attention during the auction. Saim Ayub was retained for PKR 126 million (approx ₹3.8 crore), while Naseem Shah was picked for PKR 86.5 million (approx ₹2.6 crore). Faheem Ashraf went for PKR 85 million (approx ₹2.5 crore), and Daryl Mitchell was signed for PKR 80.5 million (approx ₹2.4 crore). The auction has set a new financial benchmark for the league.

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Here is the list of the Top 5 Most Expensive Players of PSL 2026:

1. Steve Smith – PKR 140 million (approx ₹4.2 crore)

Australian star batter and former captain Steve Smith has become the most expensive player in PSL history. According to media reports, the new franchise, Sialkot Stallions, signed him through a direct deal. The team confirmed the signing on social media. This will be Smith’s first appearance in the Pakistan Super League. Reports say he was signed for PKR 140 million (approx ₹4.2 crore). This makes him the costliest player in the league’s history and sets a new record for PSL contracts.

2. Saim Ayub – PKR 126 million (approx ₹3.8 crore)

Pakistan’s young star Saim Ayub became one of the most expensive players in PSL 2026 yesterday. The Hyderabad Houston Kingsmen signed him for a record amount during the auction. The franchise showed strong faith in the talented batter by making a big investment. Yesterday, he was signed for PKR 126 million (approx ₹3.8 crore). This made him one of the highest-paid players this season and one of the biggest deals in PSL history.

3. Naseem Shah – PKR 86.5 million (approx ₹2.6 crore)

Fast bowler Naseem Shah became one of the most expensive players in PSL 2026 yesterday. He was the costliest bowling option in the auction. The Rawalpindi franchise showed strong trust in his pace and match-winning ability. Yesterday, he was signed for PKR 86.5 million (approx ₹2.6 crore). This made him the most expensive bowler of the season and one of the top deals in the auction.

4. Faheem Ashraf – PKR 85 million (approx ₹2.5 crore)

All-rounder Faheem Ashraf also attracted a big bid in the PSL 2026 auction yesterday. He was among the top picks as teams looked for experienced players who can contribute with both bat and ball. The franchise showed confidence in his all-round skills. Islamabad United signed him for PKR 85 million (approx ₹2.5 crore). This deal made him one of the highest-paid all-rounders of the season.

5. Daryl Mitchell – PKR 80.5 million (approx ₹2.4 crore)

New Zealand all-rounder Daryl Mitchell also received a strong bid in the PSL 2026 auction yesterday. Rawalpindi signed him to strengthen their middle order and add experience to the squad. The team showed trust in his ability to perform in big matches. He was bought for PKR 80.5 million (approx ₹2.4 crore). This made him one of the top foreign signings of the season.