Usman Khawaja and Mohsin Naqvi - (Source: X.com)
With less than a day left for the start of PSL 2026, newly added side RawalPindiz have made a late addition to their squad after approval from Mohsin Naqvi-led PCB. The Mohammad Rizwan-led side dealt a last-minute blow as their star player Laurie Evans withdrew from the tournament.
In a significant development, the RawalPindiz have made a shocking move as they have roped in a Pakistan-origin superstar despite him insulting Mohsin Naqvi recently. Notably, the RawalPindiz will play match 3 of PSL 2026 on Saturday, March 28, when they lock horns against Peshawar Zalmi.
Usman Khawaja To Play PSL 2026 As Replacement
Talking about the replacement player, Mohammad Rizwan-led Rawalpindiz have roped in former Australia opener Usman Khawaja as a replacement for Laurie Evans. It will be Khawaja's second stint in Pakistan's premier T20 league.
The southpaw featured for Islamabad United in PSL 2021 where he shone with the bat and also slammed a 55-ball century.
PSL Sign Usman Khawaja After Humiliating Mohsin Naqvi
Pakistan had a terrible T20 World Cup 2026, where they suffered defeat against India and crashed out of the tournament in super 8 round. Following the exit, there were reports that the PCB would fine their players for underwhelming performances.
The news spread like wildfire on the internet and several cricketers reacted to the reports. Usman Khawaja was also one of them and released a video where he laughed at the PCB and slammed the Mohsin Naqvi-led board for the idea of fining their players.
Also Read: Jason Gillespie Shames Pakistan's Stupidity After Joining Hyderabad Kingsmen
"Just heard that Pakistani players got fined after the T20 World Cup. I didn’t believe it at first, but it’s on Cricinfo so must be true. It’s absolutely amazing that the PCB could think this is a good idea. I’m laughing but I can’t believe it. What high performance team in the entire world, let alone cricket, have players getting fined for losing games?” he remarked in the video.
The signing has drawn a backlash towards Mohammad Rizwan for the same reason. Notably, Khawaja is yet to join the side and there are doubts whether he will play the first match or not.
RawalpindiZ looking solid For PSL 2026
Other than Laurie Evans, Rawalpindiz dealt a blow when their opener Jake-Fraser McGurk left the tournament citing personal reasons. It left a void in the opening slot and now Khawaja's signing is more of a replacement for McGurk than Laurie Evans.
Usman Khawaja is expected to open the innings in PSL 2026 alongside Sahibzada Farhan. Despite the early blows, the team is looking solid. The Rizwan-led side have the likes of Sam Billings, Daryl Mitchell, Mohammad Amir, and Naseem Shah.
The team is fighting for the title and they would look to replicate the heroics of the past.
Also Read: Jasprit Bumrah's IPL 2026 Availability For Mumbai Indians Revealed After CoE Visit
More to follow...
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