In a surprising mid-season development, Australian star Steve Smith has been signed by a Major League Cricket (MLC) franchise while actively playing in PSL 11 for Multan Sultans. The move highlights Smith’s rising demand in global T20 leagues and his strong return to form in the shortest format.
Mid Tournament Twist PSL to MLC
Smith, who joined Multan Sultans for the 2026 PSL season, has now been picked by Washington Freedom for the upcoming MLC season.
- Signed during ongoing PSL 11
- Will rejoin Washington Freedom (previous stint success)
- Shows high demand across franchise leagues
This unusual situation reflects how modern franchise cricket allows overlapping contracts and multi-league commitments.
Smith had earlier led Washington Freedom to a title in his previous MLC appearance, making him a valuable acquisition again.
Steve Smith’s Performance in PSL 11
Smith has played a key role for Multan Sultans despite joining the league after going unsold in other major tournaments.
PSL 11 Stats (So Far):
- Matches: 5
- Runs: 144
- Average: 28
- Strike Rate: 154.83
- Highest Score: 53
He has also formed solid opening partnerships, helping the team stay at the top of the points table with 4 wins in 5 matches.
One of his standout performances included a match-winning fifty against Quetta Gladiators, showcasing his adaptability in T20 cricket.
Smith’s MLC History & Stats
Smith’s signing is largely influenced by his outstanding previous performance in Major League Cricket.
MLC Career (Previous Season):
- Matches: 9
- Runs: 336
- Average: 56
- Strike Rate: 148.67
- 2nd highest run-scorer in the tournament
- Among the most impactful players of the season
- Led Washington Freedom to the title
His ability to dominate on USA pitches played a crucial role in his team’s championship-winning campaign.
Rise of Steve Smith as a T20 Force
Traditionally known as a Test specialist, Smith has transformed his T20 game in recent years.
Big Bash League (BBL) Impact:
- 2024/25: 173 runs in 3 matches (SR 182)
- 2025/26: 299 runs in 6 matches (SR 167)
These explosive performances revived his T20 career and led to opportunities in leagues like PSL and MLC.
PSL Signing & Global Demand
Smith was one of the most high-profile signings in PSL 11, joining Multan Sultans as a direct overseas pick in the new auction system.
- Became one of the most expensive players in PSL
- Signed as a marquee overseas star
- Brought experience and stability to the squad
His performances have justified the investment, making him one of the most talked-about players of the season.
What This Means for Multan Sultans
While Smith’s MLC signing does not immediately rule him out of PSL, it raises questions about availability later in the tournament.
Impact:
- Positive: Boosts team performance and leadership
- Concern: Potential unavailability in later stages
- Opportunity: Younger players may get chances
Multan Sultans will hope Smith continues his form as they push for the playoffs.
Final Thoughts
The signing of Steve Smith by an MLC franchise during PSL 11 reflects the evolving nature of franchise cricket, where top players are constantly in demand across leagues.
Smith’s resurgence as a T20 batter has made him a global asset, and his performances in PSL, BBL, and MLC prove he is no longer just a Test legend but a complete T20 match-winner.
