Afghanistan’s opening batter and wicketkeeper, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, has withdrawn from PSL season 11. His decision came only a few days after Peshawar Zalmi announced him as a direct signing, which surprised many fans.
Gurbaz confirmed the news through a video message shared on his Instagram account. In the video, he spoke in his native Pashto and explained the reasons behind his decision. He said that his busy schedule after the ICC T20 World Cup has made it difficult for him to take part in the PSL this season.
The Afghan cricketer also mentioned personal responsibilities at home as another reason for pulling out of the tournament. He added that he wants to spend more time focusing on his charitable foundation work in Afghanistan, which is important to him at this stage.
Peshawar Zalmi had officially announced Gurbaz’s signing on February 5. The franchise shared a creative graphic showing Gurbaz wearing traditional Afghan clothing, with a scenic mountainous background. The announcement was well received by fans, who were excited to see him return to the PSL.
Gurbaz is known for his aggressive batting at the top of the order and his strong performances in T20 cricket around the world. His withdrawal means Peshawar Zalmi will now have to look for a replacement to fill the gap in their squad before the season begins.
Despite pulling out of PSL 11, Gurbaz thanked fans for their support and expressed hope to return in future editions of the league. His decision highlights the challenges international players face in balancing cricket commitments with personal and social responsibilities.
