Rahmanullah Gurbaz pulls out of PSL days after joining Peshawar Zalmi

Afghanistan wicketkeeper-batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz has opted out of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026, just two days after Peshawar Zalmi announced him as a direct signing for the tournament's 11th edition ahead of the league's first-ever full-scale players' auction.

Gurbaz confirmed his decision in a video posted on Instagram, citing personal commitments and unfinished work related to his charitable foundation. The 24-year-old said he plans to return to Afghanistan after completing the World Cup to personally oversee the foundation's activities.

"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. "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 also thanked fans for their continued support, adding, "May you remain happy and prosperous wherever you are. Please keep me in your prayers." Gurbaz's withdrawal comes amid speculation involving fellow Afghanistan internationals Naveen-ul-Haq and Mujeeb Ur Rahman.

Naveen had earlier shared a cryptic message on Facebook following Gurbaz's signing, with reports suggesting the trio had discussed skipping the PSL this season together due to personal and professional reasons. The right-handed batter has previously featured in three PSL seasons.

He represented Multan Sultans in 2021 before turning out for Islamabad United in the 2022 and 2023 editions. Across 15 matches, Gurbaz scored 318 runs at an average of 22.71, including one half-century. A regular for Afghanistan across formats, Gurbaz has played two Tests, 52 ODIs and 83 T20Is, earning a reputation for his aggressive approach at the top of the order and tidy wicketkeeping skills.

At the franchise level, he remains one of the most sought-after Afghan players, with appearances in leagues such as the Indian Premier League, Bangladesh Premier League, Caribbean Premier League, SA20 and ILT20.

Overall, Gurbaz has amassed 6,244 runs in T20 cricket at an average of 24.97 and a strike rate of 145.00, including two centuries. Meanwhile, the PSL is set for a significant shift with the introduction of a full auction system for the first time.

The PSL 2026 players' auction is scheduled for February 11, 2026, with overseas players listed at a base price of PKR 4.2 crore, and has already generated considerable global interest.