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Peshawar Zalmi on Saturday issued an official clarification after Afghanistan wicketkeeper-batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz withdrew from the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 11, just two days after being announced as the franchise’s direct signing.
The 24-year-old Afghan opener confirmed his unavailability through a message in Pashto, citing personal commitments and scheduling constraints following the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
“After the World Cup, I won’t be available for the PSL this season due to my schedule,” Gurbaz said. “I will be focusing more on my foundation work in Afghanistan. Thank you for all the love and support.”
His sudden withdrawal prompted a detailed response from the 2017 PSL champions, who clarified that Gurbaz’s signing had been completed strictly in accordance with league regulations and after obtaining the required No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from both the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB).
“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,” the franchise stated.
Peshawar Zalmi emphasised that Gurbaz was selected purely on professional and cricketing grounds and was among the top options available on the official player list provided to franchises.
“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 added.
“This decision was taken purely on professional and cricketing grounds, in full compliance with PSL regulations, PCB guidelines and the established framework of the HBL PSL. No consideration beyond merit, team requirements and due process was involved.”
The franchise concluded by confirming that a replacement direct signing will be announced in due course.
Earlier, ahead of the historic PSL 11 players’ auction scheduled for February 11, Peshawar Zalmi had retained four players.
Babar Azam leads the list in the Platinum category with a retention fee of PKR 70 million, followed by Sufiyan Muqeem in Diamond (PKR 44.8 million), Abdul Samad in Gold (PKR 28 million) and Ali Raza in the Emerging category (PKR 19.6 million).
READ: Quetta Gladiators sign Spencer Johnson as direct signing for PSL 11
