Star signing turns into sudden withdrawal
Afghanistan wicketkeeper-batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz has withdrawn from the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026, just two days after being announced as a direct signing by Peshawar Zalmi. The development has added fuel to ongoing speculation around Afghan players and the tournament’s political undercurrents.
Gurbaz, who had played in three previous PSL seasons and was seen as a strategic signing by Zalmi ahead of the league’s first-ever full-scale player auction, confirmed his exit through a personal message on Instagram. He cited unfinished business with his charitable foundation in Afghanistan.
“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,” he said in a video posted on his Instagram account.
He explained that after the ongoing World Cup, he intends to return to Afghanistan to contribute more directly to his homeland.
“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,” he said in the video posted on his Instagram account.
In the caption accompanying his post, he added a note of thanks: “I’ll be focusing more on my foundation work in Afghanistan. Thank you for all the love and support.” The video message ended with a heartfelt farewell to his supporters: “May you remain happy and prosperous wherever you are. Please keep me in your prayers.”
While Gurbaz cited personal commitments and charitable work as reasons for his withdrawal, the decision came against a backdrop of social media backlash. Some fans criticized Zalmi’s signing of the Afghan player, alleging he had previously made anti-Pakistan posts and calling on the franchise to reconsider. The criticism also extended to Zalmi owner Javed Afridi, with some users demanding an apology from Gurbaz.
Tensions between Afghan and Pakistani cricket circles had already been simmering. In October 2025, the Afghanistan Cricket Board pulled out of a planned tri-series in Pakistan following an airstrike that killed three Afghan cricketers — an incident the ACB implicitly blamed on Pakistan. The ICC had condemned the tragedy, and several Afghan players, including Gurbaz, paid tribute to the victims.
Around the time of Gurbaz’s PSL signing, fellow Afghanistan international Naveen-ul-Haq posted the word “HYPOCRISY……..” on Facebook — a cryptic message widely interpreted as criticism of Gurbaz’s decision to join the PSL, and potentially reflecting internal rifts within the Afghan cricket community.
The signing also triggered social media outcry on the part of Pakistani fans (criticising the Zalmi for signing Gurbaz) and Afghan fans (criticising Gurbaz for signing with the PSL).
Zalmi clarifies: all procedures followed in Gurbaz signing
The abrupt nature of Gurbaz’s withdrawal prompted Peshawar Zalmi to issue an official statement, which addressed concerns around his signing and reaffirmed the franchise’s adherence to all regulatory procedures.
🚨 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐏𝐞𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐫 𝐙𝐚𝐥𝐦𝐢 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐃𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐒𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 ✍️ 🚨 #Zalmi #YellowStorm pic.twitter.com/ru1Me37qcm
— Peshawar Zalmi (@PeshawarZalmi) February 7, 2026
“We would like to clarify to our valued and loyal fan base that the recent direct signing of Afghanistan cricketer Mr. Rahmanullah Gurbaz was completed strictly after he received full NOC clearance from both the Pakistan Cricket Board and the Afghanistan Cricket Board. At the time of selection, he was among the best available options on the official list provided, and his signing followed the prescribed process accordingly,” the statement said.
Zalmi went on to emphasize that the decision was based purely on professional criteria and followed every PSL rule.
“We further wish to clarify that this decision was taken purely on professional and cricketing grounds, in full compliance with Pakistan Super League regulations, PCB guidelines, and the established framework of the HBL PSL. No consideration beyond merit, team requirements, and due process was involved,” the statement added.
Committed to growth and fan trust, says Zalmi
In the same statement, Zalmi reaffirmed its long-term goals of strengthening the PSL and promoting cricket in Pakistan on a global scale.
“Peshawar Zalmi remains fully aligned with the policies and decisions of the Pakistan Cricket Board. Moving forward, we assure our fans that our sole objective is to further strengthen the HBL PSL brand, elevate its standards, and present it as a major and proud league on the global stage by taking every possible measure,” the franchise said.
Zalmi also took a moment to acknowledge its fan base, which has stood by the franchise during both triumphs and controversies.
“We sincerely thank our fans for their continued support, trust, and belief in Peshawar Zalmi. Your passion, patience, and unwavering backing motivate us to push boundaries and uphold the values this franchise stands for,” the statement added.
The statement concluded by hinting at what’s next for the franchise. “Lastly, we will announce our latest direct signing in due course,” Zalmi confirmed.
From auction build-up to uncertainty
Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s withdrawal is a setback for Zalmi, especially ahead of the February 11 auction that marks a new era in PSL player selection. The franchise had retained four players prior to the auction, including captain Babar Azam in the Platinum category at PKR 70 million (approx. US$ 251K). The list also featured Sufiyan Muqeem in the Diamond category at PKR 44.8 million (approx. US$ 161K), Abdul Samad in Gold at PKR 28 million (approx. US$ 100K), and Ali Raza in the Emerging category at PKR 19.6 million (approx. US$ 70K).
Though Zalmi has promised a new signing announcement soon, the Gurbaz development comes amid reports of behind-the-scenes tensions. Speculation around other Afghan players — including Naveen-ul-Haq and Mujeeb Ur Rahman — possibly skipping the PSL has swirled in the backdrop.
Despite the setback, Zalmi has positioned itself as a franchise focused on process, transparency, and long-term ambition — hoping that fan faith, clarity, and professionalism will keep the team steady ahead of the season’s first ball.
