Steve Smith Breaks PSL Record, Becomes Most Expensive Player in League History

• Australian batter Steve Smith becomes the most expensive player in Pakistan Super League (PSL) history, signed by Sialkot Stallions for PKR 14 crore (approx. INR 4.5 crore).
• PSL expands to eight teams, introducing a players’ auction for the first time, replacing the draft system.
• High-profile international cricketers like David Warner, Adam Zampa, and Devon Conway participated in the inaugural auction.
• Naseem Shah became the costliest Pakistani acquisition (PKR 8.65 crore) by Islamabad United, while Saim Ayub had the biggest retention deal (PKR 12.2 crore) by Peshawar Zalmi.
• The upcoming PSL season (March 26 - May 3) will overlap with the IPL, attracting players seeking game time or unsold in IPL.