Former Australia captain Steve Smith is set to join the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026, confirming his arrival in Pakistan after spending time in New York ahead of the tournament.
Steve Smith shared glimpses of his recent time in New York on social media before heading to Pakistan. The Australian batter posted photos and videos enjoying an ice hockey game, coastal views, 3D golf, and walks with his pet puppies.
“Nice to have some time off in NYC, now to Pakistan for the PSL,” Smith wrote.
Set to represent Multan Sultans in PSL debut
Smith will play for Multan Sultans in what will be his debut appearance in the Pakistan Super League.
The experienced right-handed batter brings vast T20 experience, having featured in leagues such as the Big Bash League (BBL), Indian Premier League (IPL), The Hundred, Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), and Caribbean Premier League (CPL).
The 36-year-old has represented Australia in 67 T20 internationals, scoring 1,094 runs at a strike rate of 125.45, including five half-centuries.
Across franchise and domestic T20 cricket, Smith has played 272 matches, scoring 6,242 runs at a strike rate of 131.38, with 30 fifties and five centuries.
Most recently, he starred for Sydney Sixers in BBL 15, scoring 299 runs in six matches at a remarkable strike rate of 167.97, including a century and two half-centuries, helping his team reach the final.
PSL 2026 to begin March 26
The 11th edition of the Pakistan Super League will run from March 26 to May 3. Teams are set to start gathering in Lahore from tomorrow, with training sessions scheduled from March 24.
The tournament will begin with defending champions Lahore Qalandars facing Hyderabad Houston Kingsmen.
This year’s PSL will feature eight teams, including two new franchises — Pindiz and Hyderabad Houston Kingsmen. A total of 44 matches will be played over 39 days, with each team playing 10 matches.
The top four teams will qualify for the playoffs, which include Qualifier 1, Eliminator, Qualifier 2, and the final. The final is scheduled for May 3 at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, with a reserve day set for May 4.
Matches will be played across six venues in Pakistan:
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Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore (15 matches)
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Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium (11 matches)
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Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad (7 matches)
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National Bank Stadium, Karachi (6 matches)
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Multan Cricket Stadium (4 matches)
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Imran Khan Cricket Stadium, Peshawar (1 match)
Faisalabad and Peshawar will host PSL matches for the first time.
Multan Sultans squad for PSL 2026
Multan Sultans’ squad includes:
Ashton Turner (captain), Mohammad Nawaz, Shehzad Gul, Faisal Akram, Imran Randhawa, Arafat Minhas, Sahibzada Farhan, Steve Smith, Peter Siddle, Tabraiz Shamsi, Lachlan Shaw, Delano Potgieter, Josh Philippe, Shan Masood, Momin Qamar, Muhammad Awais Zafar, Muhammad Shahzad, Arshad Iqbal, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Muhammad Ismail, and Atizaz Habib Khan.
Multan Sultans match schedule
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March 28 – vs Islamabad United (Lahore)
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April 1 – vs Hyderabad Kingsmen (Multan)
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April 3 – vs Lahore Qalandars (Multan)
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April 5 – vs Quetta Gladiators (Multan)
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April 6 – vs Rawalpindi Pindiz (Multan)
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April 13 – vs Peshawar Zalmi (Faisalabad)
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April 19 – vs Karachi Kings (Lahore)
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April 21 – vs Rawalpindi Pindiz (Rawalpindi)
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April 22 – vs Peshawar Zalmi (Rawalpindi)
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April 26 – vs Islamabad United (Rawalpindi)
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has described PSL as an international brand, with expectations of record viewership this season. With global stars like Steve Smith joining, the league continues to expand its international appeal.
