NEW DELHI: Star Australian batter Steve Smith will be seen plying his trade in the Pakistan Super League for the first time this year after being signed by debut franchise Sialkot Stallionz. Smith's signing comes amid serious implications the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) could face after Pakistan were directed to boycott their T20 World Cup group match against India in Colombo on February 15.

There could be a host of sanctions on PCB which includes docking of WTC points, no movement in ICC rankings, top member nations refusing to travel to Pakistan and last but not the least - sanctions on participation of players in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

If Pakistan does not change its stance and refuses to play against India, the ICC is likely to impose sanctions, having already warned that the boycott could lead to punitive action.

"The ICC hopes that the PCB will consider the significant and long-term implications for cricket in its own country as this is likely to impact the global cricket ecosystem, which it is itself a member and beneficiary of," the global body said in a statement.

"While the ICC respects the roles of governments in matters of national policy, this decision is not in the interest of the global game or the welfare of fans worldwide, including millions in Pakistan," it further stated.

The big question now is whether Smith will be able to make his PSL debut if the ICC imposes sanctions. In the current scenario, the answer is no. Without the participation of foreign players, staging a PSL season would not be a wise option for the PCB or the broadcasters. The picture is expected to become clearer after February 15.

Smith's red-hot form

Although Smith, now 36, has been out of Australia's T20I setup for the past two years, he is set to enter the PSL in impressive form after a standout Big Bash League campaign. Representing the Sydney Sixers, Smith played a key role in their run to the final, finishing the season as one of the tournament's most consistent performers.

He piled up 299 runs at an average just shy of 60, striking at an imposing rate of 167.97, and capped his season with a century and two half-centuries. Smith also spent several matches opening the innings alongside Babar Azam, who endured a relatively quieter BBL by comparison.