Sialkot Stallionz, the Pakistan Super League’s newest franchise, have officially signed former Australian captain Steve Smith for the 11th season of the PSL.

The franchise shared the news through its official social media accounts, calling it their first major direct signing under the league’s new model.

Under this system, each team is allowed one direct signing. Stallionz used this option to bring in the experienced right-handed batter.

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Steve Smith is one of the most travelled T20 players in the world. He has played in major leagues such as the Big Bash League, The Hundred, Indian Premier League, Bangladesh Premier League, and Caribbean Premier League.

In domestic and franchise T20 cricket, Smith has played 272 matches and scored 6,242 runs. He has a strike rate of 131.38, with 30 half-centuries and five centuries to his name.

Earlier, Sialkot Stallionz also strengthened their management by appointing former Australian wicketkeeper-batter Tim Paine as head coach.

Paine brings strong leadership experience. He played 35 Tests and 35 ODIs for Australia and also captained the national team in Test cricket.

The franchise is owned by OZ Developers, led by Hamza Majeed. The team was bought during a high-profile auction held at the Jinnah Convention Centre.