Peshawar Zalmi just got hit with a slap out of nowhere. Rahmanullah Gurbaz withdraws from PSL 2026 just after his direct signing. The Afghan wicketkeeper-batter surprised everyone with this sudden decision.
Zalmi picked him as their direct signing ahead of the player auction. That signing looked perfect for strengthening their batting lineup initially. But Rahmanullah Gurbaz changed his mind within 48 hours surprisingly fast.
The PSL 2026 auction happens on February 11 with massive expectations. Losing a star player before the tournament even starts hurts any franchise. Peshawar Zalmi must now scramble for replacement options at the auction.
Personal Commitments Take Priority
Rahmanullah Gurbaz explained his decision through an Instagram video personally.
“I won’t be available to play in the PSL this year. I have some personal commitments, and a large part of the work for my charitable foundation is still unfinished.”
“Following a successful World Cup campaign, I’m planning to return to my beloved Afghanistan to personally oversee the foundation’s work so that I can better serve the people of Afghanistan.”
“Thank you all so much for your love and support. May you remain happy and prosperous wherever you are. Please keep me in your prayers. Thank you.”
He thanked fans for their love and support in that video. Asking for prayers, he wished everyone happiness and prosperity everywhere. The PSL 2026 will continue without one of its brightest stars.
Teammate Drama Adds Twist
Naveen-ul-Haq posted something cryptic on Facebook right after Gurbaz’s signing. Reports suggest three Afghan players decided to skip PSL 2026 together. Naveen, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, and Mujeeb Ur Rahman allegedly made this pact.
They wanted to stay united for personal and professional reasons. Public fights between teammates create messy situations always in cricket. This withdrawal might have deeper issues than just charitable work.
Naveen’s cryptic message raised eyebrows across social media platforms immediately. Nobody knows the full story behind these Afghan players’ decisions. PSL 2026 loses quality cricketers regardless of the actual reasons.
Gurbaz’s PSL History
Rahmanullah Gurbaz played for Multan Sultans back in 2021 initially. Islamabad United signed him for the 2022 and 2023 seasons. He scored 318 runs across 15 PSL matches previously.
His average of 22.71 included one half-century during those campaigns. Rahmanullah Gurbaz withdraws from PSL 2026 despite that decent past record. Franchise cricket loses an aggressive top-order batter and a reliable wicketkeeper together.
