Since its inception, the Pakistan Super League (PSL) has emerged as one of the most renowned T20 cricket leagues in the world. Over time, the teams have invested heavily in acquiring skilled, veteran players, promising youth, and winning players.
But the 2026 season proved to be one of the most significant changes for PSL when the first-ever PSL auction took place. Along with the increase in the number of franchises, the new bidding method brought about some record-breaking contracts as well.
Australian batsman Steve Smith emerged as the most expensive player in the history of PSL when he received a contract worth PKR 14 crore with Sialkot Stallions. Here’s the list of the most expensive PSL players in 2026.
Most Expensive PSL Players of 2026
Top 10 Most Expensive PSL Players
1. Steve Smith – PKR 14 Crore
The famous Australian player and captain of the Australian team, Steve Smith, became the highest-paid cricketer in PSL 2026 by joining Sialkot Stallions. The deal that was made directly with him is worth approximately PKR 14 crore, which equals roughly US$500,000.
Famous for his excellent batting technique and his international experience, Smith attracted huge attention before the start of the league.
2. Saim Ayub – PKR 12.6 Crore
The second-highest contract value in the league was achieved by the player Saim Ayub. He was retained by the Hyderabad Houston Kingsmen for PKR 12.6 crore.
With his aggressive batting, ability to hit aggressive shots and good bowling, he is an interesting T20 cricketer. Moreover, he became the costliest Pakistani player in the league.
3. Naseem Shah – PKR 8.65 Crore
Naseem Shah became the most expensive player bought at the 2026 PSL auction. Rawalpindi purchased the Pakistani fast bowler for PKR 8.65 crore.
He is known for his speed, swing and wicket-taking abilities.
4. Faheem Ashraf – PKR 8.5 Crore
All-rounder Faheem Ashraf was the first player purchased during the inaugural PSL auction. Islamabad United picked him up at the price of PKR 8.5 crore.
The capability to score runs and contribute through his bowling skills makes him an attractive choice, especially in the middle and lower order positions of batting.
5. Daryl Mitchell – PKR 8.05 Crore
Daryl Mitchell, an all-rounder from New Zealand, joined Rawalpindi for PKR 8.05 crore. His experience at the international level, reliable batting skills and handling pressure situations make him an important member of the team.
6. Fakhar Zaman – PKR 7.95 Crore
Fakhar Zaman joined Lahore Qalandars again for the price of PKR 7.95 crore. He is famous for his aggressive batting at the opening position and for making fast changes in the course of matches.
7. David Warner – PKR 7.9 Crore
David Warner, Australian opening batsman, has come to Karachi Kings at PKR 7.9 crore. David Warner became a star in the previous season when it was known that he signed a contract worth more than 5 crore PKR. The aggressive batting style of David Warner and his leadership experience make him one of the best-known international players in the competition.
8. Haris Rauf – PKR 7.6 Crore\
Haris Rauf came back to Lahore Qalandars for PKR 7.6 crore. Being an aggressive bowler with express pace, he is very good at dismissing the opposition’s batters in the death overs.
9. Shaheen Shah Afridi – PKR 7 Crore
Shaheen Shah Afridi, Pakistan’s left-arm fast bowler, is retained by Lahore Qalandars for PKR 7 crore. His talent to take early wickets and lead the bowlers makes him one of the key players of this franchise.
10. Babar Azam – PKR 7 Crore
Babar Azam is retained by Peshawar Zalmi for PKR 7 crore. Known for his technically excellent batting skills, Babar remains one of the top cricket personalities in Pakistan.
Other players in the same bracket, reported PKR 7 crore are Shadab Khan, Abrar Ahmed, and Mark Chapman.
How the PSL Salary System Changed in 2026
Prior to 2026, the PSL was following a category-based player draft. Some of the categories included Platinum, Diamond, Gold, Silver, and Emerging. These categories were based on the franchises’ needs as well as players’ skills.
In 2026, PSL experienced its first player auction in history. Through this process, franchises could bid for available players. Moreover, the competition had been increased to eight teams as two new teams were added to PSL.
With these new developments, the financial benchmark has been raised, with Steve Smith’s PKR 14 crore signing becoming the biggest contract in PSL’s history.
My Personal Favourite
From among these high-priced deals, Steve Smith’s signing is worth mentioning. He has made a name for himself through international cricket, including Test match series, yet he became the highest-paid player in PSL, which clearly indicates how much the franchises need international experience. Another great signing was that of Naseem Shah through the auction process.
Conclusion
However, there was a record made by the Pakistan Super League in 2026 when the player auction took place for the first time in the history of the league, along with some new franchises being included. Steve Smith led this list with a PKR 14 crore deal, with Saim Ayub and Naseem Shah following him in second and third place.
It shows how much money this league is making in the business world and how many franchises want to win the best players in cricket through the competition.
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