PSL 11: After Stallionz got Smith, now United dropped a statement signing – Devon Conway

Days after the new Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Sialkot Stallionz announced signing Steve Smith, now the three-times champion Islamabad United have made their own big move. They secured New Zealand batting star Devon Conway as a direct signing, splashing Rs 63 million to bring one of world cricket’s most reliable T20 operators into the red brigade.

Message received: Islamabad United are not rebuilding – they’re reloading.

The Kiwi left-hander, known for his fearless strokeplay at the top and ice-cold temperament in big games, becomes one of the marquee names of PSL 2026. Conway’s arrival immediately boosts United’s firepower, adding international pedigree and consistency to a side already known for thinking smarter, not louder.

United announced the move with flair, unveiling an animated poster and welcoming Conway as the man ready to “light up” PSL 11. The franchise highlighted his elite credentials – including being the fourth-fastest batter to reach 1,000 T20I runs – as fans quickly caught on to the scale of the signing.

At 34, Conway brings more than just runs. He brings experience from every level of the game – World Cups, ICC tournaments, pressure chases, and franchise leagues around the world. Since debuting internationally in 2020, he’s become a fixture in New Zealand’s white-ball setup and remains a key part of the Blackcaps’ T20 World Cup plans.

The Rs63 million deal makes Conway the second-most expensive player in Islamabad United’s lineup, underlining how highly the franchise values his impact. It also places him in rare PSL company – only the second player in tournament history to be directly signed, a rule reintroduced to allow teams to lock in elite talent ahead of the draft.

The timing is no accident.

Just a day earlier, United confirmed their retained core – captain Shadab Khan in the Platinum category, Salman Irshad in Gold, and Andries Gous in Silver – before swinging hard in the market with Conway’s signature. With several high-profile names released, the franchise is clearly shaping a new-look unit built around balance, flexibility, and big-game performers.

And this might only be the beginning.

With the PSL draft looming on February 11, Islamabad United now head in with momentum, money spent wisely, and intent written all over their strategy. Conway’s signing isn’t just a headline – it’s a warning shot to the rest of the league.

PSL 11 hasn’t started yet. But Islamabad United have already made their move.