Steve Smith Creates History as Most Expensive PSL Player Ever
In a landmark moment for the Pakistan Super League, veteran Australian batsman Steve Smith has shattered all previous records by becoming the most expensive player in the tournament's history. The seasoned cricketer has been signed for a staggering PKR 14 crore by the newly introduced franchise, Sialkot Stallions, ahead of the league's revamped 11th edition.
Record-Breaking Acquisition and World Cup Connection
This monumental signing, valued at approximately USD 500,000, comes at a significant time for Smith, who is poised to replace the injured Mitchell Marsh in Australia's squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup. The acquisition by Sialkot Stallions marks a major coup for the new franchise and highlights the growing financial muscle of the PSL.
PSL Undergoes Major Structural Transformation
The league is undergoing its most substantial transformation yet, expanding from six to eight competing teams. In a historic shift, the Pakistan Cricket Board has introduced a players' auction for the very first time, completely replacing the draft system that had been operational for the past decade. This change represents a fundamental evolution in how talent is acquired within the league.
High-Profile Auction Attracts Global Stars
The inaugural auction, conducted in Lahore on Wednesday, featured an impressive array of international cricket talent. Among the notable overseas names who entered the bidding were:
- David Warner
- Adam Zampa
- Daryl Mitchell
- Mark Chapman
- Mustafizur Rahman
- Devon Conway
- Rilee Rossouw
- Tabraiz Shamshi
- Dasun Shanaka
- Kusal Mendis
- Marnus Labuschagne
In total, the eight franchises secured 103 players through this groundbreaking auction process.
Notable Pakistani Signings and Retentions
While Steve Smith claimed the overall record, several Pakistani players commanded significant attention during the auction. Fast bowler Naseem Shah emerged as the most expensive domestic acquisition, joining Islamabad United for PKR 8.65 crore. All-rounder Faheem Ashraf was also picked up by the same franchise for PKR 8.5 crore.
In retention news, batting maestro Babar Azam was kept by Peshawar Zalmi for PKR 7 crore. The highest-priced retention, however, was Saim Ayub, who remained with his franchise for PKR 12.2 crore.
League Expansion and Schedule Details
The PSL's expansion to eight teams was made possible through the addition of two new franchises: Sialkot and Hyderabad. Their rights were purchased by overseas Pakistani businessmen for PKR 185,000 crore and PKR 175,000 crore respectively. Additionally, Multan Sultans underwent a rebranding to Rawalpindi following a change in ownership.
The 11th edition of the Pakistan Super League is scheduled to run from March 26 to May 3, creating a direct scheduling clash with the Indian Premier League, setting the stage for an intriguing battle for viewership and attention.
