Steve Smith PSL Auction 2026: The one who was not bought by anyone in IPL, became the most expensive player of Pakistan Super League

Karachi: Australia’s experienced batsman Steve Smith has become the most expensive player of Pakistan Super League (PSL). Smith, who was included in Australia’s World T20 Cup team as cover for the injured Mitchell Marsh, has been bought by the new franchise Sialkot Stallions for approximately US $ 500,000 (14 crore Pakistani rupees).

How much has the number of teams increased in PSL?
The number of teams in PSL has been increased from six to eight. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has introduced the player auction system for the first time, replacing the draft format that has been in place for the last decade.

Which big names did you bid on in the auction?
The players were auctioned in Lahore on Wednesday, among the players who were auctioned, foreign players like David Warner, Adam Zampa, Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Mustafizur Rahman, Devon Conway, Riley Rossouw, Tabraiz Shamsi, Dasun Shanaka, Kusal Mendis and Marnus Labuschagne were also included.

Who became the most expensive Pakistani player?
Eight franchises signed a total of 103 players. Fast bowler Naseem Shah became the most expensive Pakistani player, who was bought by Islamabad United for Pakistani rupees 8.65 crore. All-rounder Faheem Ashraf was bought from this franchise for 8.5 crore Pakistani rupees.

When will Pakistan Super League start?
Babar Azam was retained by Peshawar Zalmi for seven crore Pakistani rupees. The same franchise retained Sam Ayub for 12.2 crore Pakistani rupees. PSL is to be organized from March 26 to May 3. During this time, the more attractive and prestigious Indian Premier League will be organized in India.