KARACHI: Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Sialkot Stallions on Friday released their player contract ahead of the landmark 11th edition of the tournament scheduled to be held from March 26 to May 3.
The franchise confirmed four retentions ahead of the much-anticipated player auction, which is set to take place on February 11. Sialkot Stallions have picked Mohammad Nawaz, Salman Mirza, Ahmed Daniel and Saad Masood.
Nawaz was signed in the Platinum category for a salary of PKR 61.6 million, while Salman, selected in the Diamond category, received a contract worth PKR 39.2 million.
Daniel was bought for PKR 22.4 million in the gold category, while Saath, who was selected from the emerging category, will fetch PKR 8.4 million.
In the upcoming auction, the owners have been allocated a total budget of PKR 450 million. Stallions have so far spent PKR 131.6 million on their retained players.
Earlier, the Stallions announced the signing of former Australian captain Steve Smith, confirming one of the biggest direct signings of the pre-season.
The announcement was made through the franchise’s official social media channels.
The right-handed batsman brings vast experience in T20 cricket, featuring in major leagues such as Big Bash League (PBL), The Hundred, Indian Premier League (IPL), Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) and Caribbean Premier League (CPL).
On 29 January, the Stallions appointed former Australian wicketkeeper-batsman Tim Paine as their head coach.
Paine brings significant experience, having represented Australia in 35 Tests and 35 ODIs, while also leading the national team in Test cricket.
Hamza Majeed-led OZ Developers bagged the rights during a high-profile auction held at the Jinnah Convention Center on January 8.
FKS Group Rs. 1.75 billion ($6.25 million) after acquiring the first new franchise in an auction, OZ Developers has raised Rs. They won the rights to the Sialkot team at a bid of 1.85 billion, naming the franchise after the historic city.
This expansion marks a significant milestone in the history of PSL. Multan Sultans were the league’s first expansion team, joining in the third season and increasing the number of teams from five to six.
With the addition of two new franchises to PSL 11, the league will now feature eight teams.
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