Gurbaz withdraws from PSL 2026 after public fallout with Naveen-ul-Haq

Afghanistan star cites personal commitments as tensions surface within Afghan trio

Afghanistan wicketkeeper-batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz has officially withdrawn from the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026, just days after being announced as a direct signing for Peshawar Zalmi ahead of the league’s historic players’ auction.

The decision comes amid growing speculation of a rift within Afghanistan’s cricket circle, particularly following a cryptic social media post by Naveen-ul-Haq, which surfaced soon after Gurbaz finalized his PSL contract. Naveen, along with Gurbaz and Mujeeb Ur Rahman, had earlier been expected to skip PSL 2026 together, reportedly in solidarity over shared personal and professional concerns.

However, Gurbaz’s signing and subsequent withdrawal, appears to have disrupted that unity.

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In a video posted on Instagram, the 24-year-old confirmed his absence from PSL 2026, citing personal priorities and unfinished charitable commitments.

“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,” Gurbaz said.

He added that after completing his World Cup duties, he plans to return to Afghanistan to focus on off-field responsibilities.

Gurbaz has previously featured in three PSL seasons, playing for Multan Sultans (2021) and Islamabad United (2022–2023). Across 15 matches, he scored 318 runs at an average of 22.71, including one half-century.

A key figure in Afghanistan’s rise on the global stage, Gurbaz has represented his country in 2 Tests, 52 ODIs, and 83 T20Is, earning a reputation as an explosive opener and reliable wicketkeeper.

At the franchise level, he remains one of the most sought-after Afghan players, having featured in the IPL, CPL, BPL, SA20, and ILT20. Overall, he boasts 6,244 T20 runs at a strike rate of 145.00, including two centuries.

While Gurbaz has publicly framed his decision as personal, the timing — combined with Naveen-ul-Haq’s pointed social media activity — has fueled talk of internal tensions among Afghanistan’s top players.

With PSL 2026 approaching, Peshawar Zalmi must now reassess their squad plans, while fans are left wondering whether this episode marks a temporary scheduling conflict — or a deeper fracture within Afghanistan’s cricketing fraternity.