Sahibzada Farhan Steve Smith. Image Credits: AFP
Steve Smith is set to make his PSL debut this month, having been roped in by the Multan Sultans franchise a few weeks ago. The legendary Australian batter, on the trail of a prolific BBL 2025–26 season in Australia, will join Pakistan opener Sahibzada Farhan in the squad as the franchise bolsters its batting arsenal ahead of the new season.
Mere weeks prior to the launch of PSL 2026, the two star performers have now received a stern warning from franchise owner Gohar Shah. Issuing a warning to all Multan Sultans players before the upcoming season, Shah stated that he expects all players to meet a certain standard while playing for his team.
Multan Sultans new owner warns team before PSL 2026
As reported by Pakistan’s Relukattay, Multan Sultans new owner Gohar Shah has sent out a clear message to all his players ahead of the upcoming PSL 2026 season. Shah said that if any player “falls below the benchmark”, he will not hesitate to send that player back home.
Also Read- More Drama From PCB! Sialkot Stallionz Abolished Without Playing PSL 2026
He added that he is not willing to compromise any player’s physical strength and expects everyone to meet a certain standard, regardless of their reputation or skill level, thus indirectly referencing to team’s star attractions like Steve Smith and Sahibzada Farhan along with several other senior members.
Gohar Shah said “I will tell all the players, if you fall below the benchmark, even if you’ve a two-year contract, I will send you home, even if I've to pay an extra 60 lakhs. I will absolutely not compromise on my players’ physical strength. Anyone who does not meet this standard will not play in my team, no matter how high their skill level is.”
Multan Sultans name captain, sign new players
Earlier this month, the Multan Sultans franchise appointed senior Australian T20 batter Ashton Turner as the team’s new captain for PSL 2026. Turner will be replacing Pakistan’s legendary wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan, who led the franchise in earlier seasons but is now headed to Pindiz.
The franchise also enhanced its squad further with the signings of fast bowlers Arshad Iqbal and Muhammad Ismail a few days ago. While Ismail is yet to make his PSL debut, Iqbal has played 24 matches for franchises like Karachi Kings and Peshawar Zalmi.
Multan Sultans squad for PSL 2026
The Multan Sultans franchise won its lone PSL title during the 2021 edition of the tournament. In search of their first silverware in five years, the new Sultans owners have assembled a formidable squad ahead of PSL 2026.
With Ashton Turner appointed as captain, the team also includes several other Australian stars like Steve Smith, former fast bowler Peter Siddle and rising star Josh Philippe. The team’s local composition includes national stars Mohammad Nawaz, Sahibzada Farhan and Shan Masood, among others. Here is a look at the entire Multan Sultans squad for PSL 2026:
Ashton Turner (c), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Ahmed Daniyal, Saad Masood, Steve Smith, Jahanzaib Sultan, Sahibzada Farhan, Peter Siddle, Tabraiz Shamsi, Lachlan Shaw, Delano Potgieter, Josh Phillippe, Shan Masood, Momin Qamar, Muhammad Awais Zafar, Arshad Iqbal and Muhammad Ismail.
Also Read- KL Rahul Shockingly Joins KKR Preparation For IPL 2026
