Pakistan Super League’s (PSL) new franchise Sialkot Stallionz has announced its first set of retained players ahead of PSL 11 player auction.
The franchise confirmed four retentions before the upcoming player auction on February 11, locking in Mohammad Nawaz, Salman Mirza, Ahmed Daniyal, and Saad Masood as part of its early core.
According to the details shared, Nawaz was retained in the Platinum category for Rs. 61.6 million, while Salman Mirza was kept in the Diamond category on a deal worth Rs. 39.2 million. Ahmed Daniyal was secured in the Gold category for Rs. 22.4 million, and Saad Masood, retained in the Emerging category, will earn Rs. 8.4 million.
For PSL 11, franchises have reportedly been given an overall budget of Rs. 450 million for squad building. With these retentions, Stallionz have already committed Rs. 131.6 million, leaving the rest to be utilized at the auction.
The retention announcement comes shortly after Stallionz confirmed one of the biggest early moves of the season by signing former Australia captain Steve Smith as a direct signing.
The franchise revealed the signing through its official social media channels, adding another high-profile name to the PSL 11 lineup. Smith brings a deep T20 résumé, with appearances across major leagues including the BBL, The Hundred, IPL, BPL, and CPL.
Stallionz have also strengthened their backroom staff ahead of the season. On January 29, the franchise appointed former Australian wicketkeeper-batter Tim Paine as head coach. Paine has represented Australia in 35 Tests and 35 ODIs and previously led the national side in Test cricket.
Sialkot Stallionz are owned by OZ Developers, led by Hamza Majeed, who acquired the franchise during an auction held at the Jinnah Convention Centre on January 8. OZ Developers won the rights to the Sialkot team with a bid of Rs 1.85 billion, as the PSL entered a new expansion phase.