The world's No.1 Test batter is set to don the magenta for the first time in six years in BBL|09
BBL coup: Smith signs on with Sixers
The Sydney Sixers have pulled off one of the biggest coups in the BBL off-season by securing the services of Steve Smith for the back end of KFC BBL|09.
Smith will don the magenta for the first time in six years when he suits up for the Sixers in January after he returns from Australia's Qantas ODI tour of India.
The 30-year-old is expected to be available for the Sixers' final two or three games of the regular season and all of the BBL Finals, qualification pending.
Smith's first game could be against the Melbourne Stars at the SCG on January 20, but should he not be right for that match he is set to come up against the Brisbane Heat and their own marquee superstar, South Africa legend AB de Villiers on January 23 at the Gabba.
The Sixers final regular season game is at home on January 25 against the reigning champions Melbourne Renegades.
While Smith is Test cricket's No.1 batter, he showed he can adapt to all formats with a blazing 80 not out from 51 balls for Australia in the Gillette T20I in Canberra earlier this month.
Smith is a foundation member of the Sixers and led the club to glory in the inaugural year of the competition in 2011-12, beating the Perth Scorchers at the WACA Ground, aka The Furnace, in the final.
Smith has played 26 games for the Sixers (20 in the BBL, six in the now defunct Champions League T20) and says he is thrilled to be back in familiar colours.
"I am excited about getting an opportunity to play for the Sydney Sixers again," Smith said.
"When the schedule came out and I saw there was a chance to wear the Magenta again I jumped at the opportunity and look forward to joining up with the team after my January national team commitments have ended."
Smith's signature has come at a heavy cost, with wicketkeeper Peter Nevill the player to make way for two-time Allan Border medallist.
"In making this calculated move we will be saying goodbye to another foundation member in Peter Nevill who has given great service to the Club over many seasons," Sixers head coach Greg Shipperd said.
"Peter enjoys the sincere respect of all within the Sixers family for the effort, energy, performance and professionalism he has displayed.
"We thank him for that wholeheartedly and wish him well."
The Sixers have not won the BBL since Smith captained the side to victory but have come close twice, finishing runners-up in BBL|04 and BBL|06.
Their 2019-20 season kicks off on December 18 against three-time champions Perth Scorchers at the SCG.