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.

Also read -Watch: Old video of Rahmanullah Gurbaz resurfaces after heroic performance in SA vs AFG T20 WC 2026 match

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.

Even before a ball being bowled in their campaign for the T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka, Australia have faced a massive injury setback as their captain, Mitchell Marsh, has been ruled out of the tournament’s opening game against Ireland as he suffered a blow to the groin during training earlier this week, which led to testicular bleeding.

Mitchell Marsh did the pre-match press conference while the news emerged just 15 minutes before the start of the game in Colombo. His absence means Australia, who entered the World Cup quite late, having lost their previous bilateral away T20I series against Pakistan by a 3-0 margin, have to open with Travis Head and Josh Inglis.

See Also: Watch: South Africa hold nerve in two super-overs to win SA vs AFG T20 World Cup 2026 clash

“He [Marsh] is experiencing ongoing pain and discomfort, which is restricting his movement. Scans have confirmed internal testicular bleeding, and he will require a period of rest and rehabilitation. His return to play will be guided by symptom resolution and medical advice.” The Cricket Australia statement has revealed the update.

Australia call Steve Smith as cover for Mitchell Marsh for T20 WC 2026

It also means that Australia is effectively selecting from only 12 players for their opening clash with Josh Hazlewood, yet to be officially replaced in the squad, as Tim David continued to be held back for their second morning clash against Zimbabwe two days later in Kandy after the hamstring injury ended David’s campaign in the BBL 2025/26.

Sean Abbott is there, but as a travelling reserve and hasn’t been part of the official squad yet. Meanwhile, Steve Smith will now have to scratch his holiday plans and fly to Sri Lanka to join the squad. He played his last T20I in February 2024 and is now a step closer to being parachuted into the World Cup squad.

Smith was in fabulous touch in the BBL 2025/26 campaign for the Sydney Sixers with the help of 299 runs at an average of 59.80 and a strike rate of 167.97 in six innings as they ended up being the runners-up of the campaign. Pat Cummins had already ruled himself out of the tournament for Australia/

Australian batting superstar Steve Smith is back in the headlines after becoming the most expensive player in Pakistan Super League (PSL) history. He has been signed by the Sialkot Stallionz for the 11th season of the PSL, and his price tag has surprised everyone.

Smith has been paid more than double the amount of Pakistan’s batting star and former captain Babar Azam, setting a new record in the league. This signing comes just days after Smith was unexpectedly left out of the T20 World Cup 2026 squad.

Interestingly, Smith went unsold in the IPL Auction for the 2026 season in December 2025. His deal with the debutant Sialkot Stallionz makes this signing even more remarkable.

The PSL has always made headlines with big-money signings. Franchises spend huge amounts to get top players, both international stars and local talents. These players not only strengthen their teams but also draw huge fan attention. Here’s a look at the most expensive players in PSL history.

Also read -Smriti Mandhana eyes legendary Australian Player record in WPL 2026 final vs Delhi Capitals

Most Expensive Players in PSL History

1. Steve Smith 

Australian batting superstar Steve Smith became the most expensive player in PSL history after being signed by the debutant franchise Sialkot Stallionz for the 11th season. The deal was remarkable because Smith had gone unsold in the 2026 IPL Auction, making this PSL signing even more dramatic. Known for his consistent batting and ability to anchor innings, Smith will be the key player for Sialkot Stallionz this season.

2. Babar Azam 

Pakistan’s top-order batter and former captain, Babar Azam, was signed by Karachi Kings in 2023 for a whopping 7 crore. His elegant stroke play and consistency make him one of the most valuable players in the league. Babar has been a mainstay for his franchise, leading from the front and often turning matches around with his batting.

3. Shaheen Afridi

Pace sensation Shaheen Afridi, signed by Lahore Qalandars for 7 crore in 2024, is one of the most lethal fast bowlers in the PSL. Known for his ability to bowl at high speed and pick crucial wickets, Shaheen has repeatedly changed the course of matches for his franchise. His consistent performances have earned him one of the top contracts in PSL history.

4. Shadab Khan

Talented leg-spinning all-rounder Shadab Khan was signed by Islamabad United in 2022 for 7 crore. Known for his wicket-taking ability and handy lower-order batting, Shadab has been an integral part of his team. His fielding and leadership qualities make him one of the most complete players in the league.

5. Abrar Ahmed 

Rising fast-bowling star Abrar Ahmed joined Multan Sultans in 2025 for a record price of 7 crore. His strong domestic and international performances had already made him a promising talent, and his PSL deal reflects his growing reputation. Abrar’s ability to bowl consistently in the death overs makes him a crucial asset for his franchise.

Sialkot Stallionz, one of the two new teams in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), have officially signed former Australia captain Steve Smith ahead of PSL 11.

The team announced the signing on social media and wrote, “One of the biggest signings in PSL history. A game-changing and powerful player. We welcome Steve Smith to the Stallionz team. 🐎 SS x SS. Let’s go! 🔥” 

Smith will join former Australia wicketkeeper-batter Tim Paine, who has been named the head coach of the team.

Watch the video here: 

𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐢𝐠𝐠𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐒𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐏𝐒𝐋 𝐇𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲: A game changer, powerhouse player, we welcome 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐯𝐞 𝐒𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐡 on board as a Stallion! 🐎

SS x SS - Lets goooooo🔥#SialkotStaliionz #HBLPSL #NewEra pic.twitter.com/OmMNJXBxVA

— Sialkot Stallionz (@PSLStallionz) February 3, 2026

Sialkot Stallionz: The Most Expensive Franchise in PSL

Sialkot Stallionz are one of the two new teams introduced in the Pakistan Super League. The team is owned by OZ Developers, led by Hamza Majeed and Kamil Khan. The ownership rights were bought during the PSL 2026 auction for a record Rs 1.85 billion, making it the most expensive franchise in PSL history.

From the very beginning, the Stallionz have carried a premium image. However, a high price only matters if it is matched with big ambition — and signing Steve Smith shows exactly that.

Steve Smith’s Signing Adds Major Strength to Stallionz Squad

Steve Smith, who has never played in the PSL before, is set to make his debut in the league. He comes in after a brilliant Big Bash League season with the Sydney Sixers. Smith scored 299 runs in six matches, with an average of 59.80 and a strike rate of 167.97. His season included an impressive 42-ball century.

Overall, Smith has played 272 T20 matches. He has scored 6,242 runs at an average of 32.68 and a strike rate of 131.38, with five centuries and 30 half-centuries.

Under PSL 11 rules, teams are allowed to directly sign one foreign player who did not play in PSL 10, which made Smith’s signing possible.

The Stallionz are also following an Australian-style approach. They have already appointed former Australian wicketkeeper-batter Tim Paine as head coach. Smith is expected to play under Paine, his former international teammate. Both Paine and Smith made their Test debuts in the same match against Pakistan in 2010, making this reunion even more special.

Smith’s arrival is a big moment not just for Sialkot Stallionz, but for the PSL as a whole, as the league moves into a new era with eight teams.

The former World Cup winning Australia captain, Ricky Ponting, has noted that Steve Smith’s numbers are better than anyone else in the countries T20 cricket at the moment and if the team suffers an injury set back during the T20 World Cup 2026 campaign, then Smith might be called up to replace him in the squad after strong performance in the Big Bash League (BBL) 2025/26.

The 36-year-old Steve Smith has overall smashed 1094 runs in 55 T20 innings at an average of Justice under twenty 5 when a striker of 125.45 with the help of five half centuries at the best score of 90 with his last T20 I clash for the national side coming in Auckland two years ago.

See Also: “Visible from space…”- Former England star reacts to Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup 2026 omission

“His numbers stack up better than anybody else's. But when you've been out, and the side's had some success, and Travis Head and Mitch Marsh are the incumbents, it's hard to push one of those two guys out of an opening slot.” Ponting expressed in a chat on ICC.

Ricky Ponting wants Steve Smith to feature in T20 World Cup 2026 

After finishing the Test summer for the national side, Smith returned to the Big Bash League (BBL) for the Sydney Sixers with one short of 300 runs in six innings at an average of nearly 60 and a strike rate of 167.97, with the help of one century and two half-centuries at the best score of 100 runs.

“And poor Steve has probably been pigeonholed as an opening batsman only in the T20 game, which probably has held him back a little bit in the last few years as far as selection is concerned. But he's only one little injury away. He's the next cab off the rank, and he's ready to go.” Ponting explained in the discussion.

Smith can be vital while opening the batting for Australia in the shortest format and use the power play with full power and execution, which will be very vital in this tournament for the 2021 T20 champions, as he can be brutal with Travis Head in the opening slot of the shortest format.

As Indian Premier League (IPL) teams move on from the auction to squad planning, focus has now shifted to the Registered Available Player Pool, also called RAPP. Many fans do not talk much about this list, but it is very important. It helps teams choose replacement players after the auction is over.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has shared a list of 1,307 players with all IPL teams. These players took part in the auction held on December 16 in Abu Dhabi but were not sold. If a team needs a replacement during the season, they can only pick a player from this list.

The RAPP (Registered Available Player Pool) list includes many well-known international players. Former Australia captain Steve Smith, England players Reece Topley, Jamie Smith and Jonny Bairstow, and New Zealand all-rounder Daryl Mitchell are part of the list. Mitchell, who recently won the Player of the Series award in the ODI series between India and New Zealand, is listed at number 98 with a base price of Rs 2 crore.

Several Indian players with international experience are also included. Mayank Agarwal, KS Bharat, Deepak Hooda, Navdeep Saini, Chetan Sakariya, Sandeep Warrier and Umesh Yadav are among the Indian players in the list. Each of them has a base price of Rs 75 lakh.

Also read -“Thought About It”- Star Indian batter KL Rahul gives massive statement on retirement amid IND vs NZ series

Rules for Using the RAPP

The BCCI has shared strict rules for using the Registered Available Player Pool (RAPP). Teams are not allowed to sign a replacement player for a price lower than the player’s reserve price set before the auction. Teams can also hire players from the RAPP as net bowlers during the season, but this does not give them any special rights to sign those players later.

Why Is the RAPP Important?

Kolkata Knight Riders are currently searching for a replacement for Mustafizur Rahman after the Bangladesh fast bowler was released from the squad. Since the auction is over, the three-time champions can only choose a new player from the RAPP list.

Recent Examples from the IPL

During IPL 2025, the Chennai Super Kings made several changes to their squad because of injuries to players. To fill those spots, they also had to use the RAPP list to select replacement players.

The Sydney Sixers and Hobart Hurricanes faced each other in the Challenger of the Big Bash League (BBL) 2025/26at the Sydney Cricket Ground, where both teams aim for victory to face the past Scorchers at the Optus Stadium, two days later, in the final of the tournament. The responsibility was again on the shoulders of Steve Smith in the batting department. 

Opening the batting, Steve Smith finished with 65 runs in just 43 relay breeze with the help of nine boundaries and one six at a strike rate of 151.16. Since his return to the Big Bash League, after a heavy workload in the Ashes 2025/26, the right-handed batter celebrated two half-centuries, including this and a century against the Sydney Thunder at the same ground.

See Also: RCB on sale ahead of IPL 2026 as this buyer confirms with ‘strong and competitive’ bid message

His lone six of the knock against the Hurricanes came in the ninth over of the first innings when he swiveled across to get under a good length delivery and hammered it over the deep backward square leg region for a massive 77-meter as the Sixers posted 198/8 in their allotted 20 overs of the first innings.

Steve Smith's half-century takes Sydney Sixers to BBL 2025/26 final 

Even after being in a strong position, Sydney struggled in their middle order and left a few runs in the middle. The Hurricanes, in reply, were bundled out for 1 in 17.2 overs, losing the contest by 57 runs. They never got going with the bat from the beginning of the innings.

Watch the video here: 

This guy is something else.

Another 50 for Steve Smith in the Big Bash. #BBL15 pic.twitter.com/MR3YerpYgA

— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 23, 2026

They had two openers, Mitchell Owen and Tim Ward, for a small knock of 13 runs each before their captain, Ben McDermott, put up 40 runs in 26 deliveries with the help of three boundaries and one six, but none of these were enough to go for the massive chase of nearly 200 runs.

For the Sixers, Ben Dwarshuis picked up three wickets for 26 runs in three overs, while Mitchell Starc shared two wickets for 29 runs in his four overs, and Joel Davis was adjudged the player of the match for his exceptional performance with both bat and ball.

Brief Scores: Sydney Sixers 198/8 (Steve Smith 65, Riley Meredith 3/52, Rishad Hossain 2/33) beat Hobart Hurricanes 141 (Ben McDermott 40, Ben Dwarshuis 3/26) by 57 runs.

The BBL 2025 Challenger between Sydney Sixers and Hobart Hurricanes will take place at Sydney Cricket Ground in Sydney on Friday. The Sydney Sixers lost the qualifier match by 48 runs against the Perth Scorchers, failing to chase down the target of 148 runs. They have one more chance to reach the finals via the Challenger, though their batting lineup needs serious improvement after being dismissed for just 99.

On the other hand, the Hobart Hurricanes won the Knockout match by 3 runs against the Melbourne Stars and booked their spot for the Challenger. The return of Nathan Ellis to the Hurricanes after missing the Knockout is a major plus. When they team up with Riley Meredith, their attack gains a lot of pace and bounce, and they have already taken 25 wickets this season.

Also Read: BBL 2025-26 Challenger: HUR vs STA head-to-head, pitch report & predicted playing XIs

SIX vs HUR Match Details

• Match: Sydney Sixers vs Hobart Hurricanes, Challenger 

• Date: 23rd January 2026

• Time: 1.45 PM IST

• Venue: Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney 

• Live Streaming: FanCode

SIX vs HUR Weather Report

SIX vs HUR Pitch Report

The Sydney Cricket Ground should offer a balanced competition. At the beginning, there could be some movement in the air and some assistance from the surface under lights.

Top Batters to Watch – SIX vs HUR

• Nikhil Chaudhary (HUR): 303 runs in this tournament

• Ben McDermott (HUR): 282 runs in this tournament 

• Josh Philippe (SIX): 253 runs in this tournament 

Top Bowlers to Watch – SIX vs HUR

• Jack Edwards (SIX): 17 wickets in this tournament 

• Rishad Hossain (HUR): 13 wickets in this tournament 

• Ben Dwarshuis (SIX): 13 wickets in this tournament 

SIX vs HUR Recent Form

SIX vs HUR Today Match Prediction Scenarios

Scenario 1: If HUR Bat First

• Powerplay Score: 40–45

• Predicted Total: 165–170

• Match Result: SIX to win

Scenario 2: If HUR bats first

• Powerplay Score: 45–50

• Predicted Total: 175–185

• Match Result: SIX to win

Who Will Hit the Most Sixes?

Who Will Hit the Most Fours?

SIX vs HUR Predicted Playing XIs

Hobart Hurricanes 

Mitchell Owen, Tim Ward, Beau Webster, Ben McDermott(c), Nikhil Chaudhary, Matthew Wade(w), Mac Wright, Chris Jordan, Jackson Bird, Rishad Hossain, Riley Meredith.

Sydney Sixers

Daniel Hughes, Steve Smith, Josh Philippe(w), Moises Henriques(c), Lachlan Shaw, Jack Edwards, Joel Davies, Ben Dwarshuis, Sean Abbott, Mitchell Starc, Ben Manenti

SIX vs HUR Today Match Prediction – Who Will Win Today?

Based on current form, team balance, and superior bowling strength, the Sydney Sixers are the favourites to win this BBL match. Mitchell Owen, Tim Ward and Beau Webster are expected to be the key performers.

SIX vs HUR Match FAQs

The pressure was on Steve Smith in the 148-run chase of the first qualifier of the 2025 season of the Big Bash League against the Perth Scorchers as they lost Babar Azam on the second ball for a duck at the Optus Stadium. However, Smith releases the pressure with the massive six on the last ball of the opening over against Cooper Connolly. 

Despite losing wickets from the other end, Steve Smith did not lose his aggressive mode as he got a boundary at the backward point region around the sweep cover on the third ball of the seventh over of the innings. Two balls later, he got inside the line of the land delivery to pull it over the fine leg stands for a massive 6, as there was a silent mood among the crowd.

See Also: Watch: Babar Azam falls for two-ball duck vs Perth Scorchers during BBL 2025/26

He was the only player who expected to carry the Sixers over the margin, but he got dismissed on 37 runs in 24 deliveries with the help of two boundaries and as many sixes as he swiveled lacrosse and was looking to pull the short ball over deep square leg, but could not get the expected elevation and scooped it into the hands of the long-leg fielder.

Steve Smith’s massive six breaks internet

In the first innings of the game, Perth Scorchers made their way to 147 for the loss of nine wickets in 20 overs as their opening batter, Finn Allen, smashed a decent knock of 49 runs in 30 balls with the help of four sixes and two boundaries at a strike rate of nearly 165, while their captain, Aston Turner, clubbed 29 runs in 21 deliveries thanks to his three boundaries and one six.

Watch the video here: 

"Short, leg-side, GOODBYE!"

Don't bowl there to Steve Smith 🙅‍♂️ #BBL15 pic.twitter.com/pQEvVn2Jue

— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 20, 2026

The chase was always expected to be a tough one on a sticky surface where the ball was not coming to the bed quite easily, as the Pacers were getting much more help off the surface, and the Sixers lost three wickets inside the powerplay.

Perth, with the victory, will now host the final of the BBL 2025/26 at the Optus Stadium, while the Sixers will go back to play the second qualifier at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).

Brief Scores: Perth Scorchers 147/9 (Finn Allen 49, Ben Dwarshuis 2/23) beat Sydney Sixers 99 (Steve Smith 37, Mahli Beardman 3/20) by 48 runs.

Australia batter Steve Smith has addressed reports suggesting tension between him and Pakistan star Babar Azam during the Big Bash League. The speculation followed an incident in the Sydney Sixers’ match against Sydney Thunder last Friday. Babar was denied a single by Smith, which led to claims of frustration. Some reports even suggested Babar felt disrespected.

Smith quickly dismissed those rumours and said there was no issue between the two. During the broadcast, a clip from the Sixers’ pre-match training session was shown. In it, Smith and Babar were seen talking comfortably. Smith later explained what that conversation was about.

“Nah, he’s good. We were just chatting before. I thought he batted really well the other night and we had a good partnership. We were talking about our golf there. He’s looking forward to tonight and it’s a nice wicket, so I hope we can get off to a good start again,” Smith said.

“I’ll Try to Get 30 Off That Over,” Smith Clarifies

The incident happened in the 11th over at Moore Park during the Power Surge. Smith chose to keep the strike instead of taking a single. Babar looked unhappy at the time. Smith then justified the call by hitting four sixes in a row.

Watch the video here

"They've said no run to that."

Steve Smith knocked a run back off the bat of Babar Azam, so he could have the strike for the Power Surge! #BBL15 pic.twitter.com/BaZET2UF2t

— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 16, 2026

See Also: Cricket Ireland reject venue shift as BCB approach ICC over group swap

The over produced 32 runs, giving the Sixers a strong push. Babar was back on strike in the next over but was dismissed on the first ball. As he walked off, he struck the boundary cushion with his bat in frustration. Later reports claimed he stayed in the dressing room after the match.

CODE Sports reported that Sixers coach Greg Shipperd stepped in to settle the situation. Smith later explained the thinking behind the decision. “We spoke at the ten-over mark and they [the captain and coach] said take the surge straightaway,” Smith told Channel 7. “I said, ‘Nah, give it one over. I want to hit to the short boundary. I don’t want to mess up the first over. I’ll try to get 30 off that over.’ I think we got 32, so it was a good result. Not sure Babar was too happy with me knocking back that single.”