![Nahid Rana's PSL availability concerns Peshawar Zalmi [Source: AP, PCB]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1776841728523_nahidranapslbabarazam.jpg?type=hq)
Nahid Rana's PSL availability concerns Peshawar Zalmi [Source: AP, PCB]
Peshawar Zalmi have suffered a massive setback, as there's no clarity on Nahid Rana's return to their setup for the PSL 2026. Led by Babar Azam, Peshawar Zalmi have been clinical in the tournament.
They have won seven of eight group-stage fixtures, confirming their berth in the playoffs. As the PSL 2026 nears its conclusion, the Zalmi have been hit by a major setback, with uncertainty surrounding Bangladesh pacer Nahid for the remainder of the tournament.
How has Nahid Rana been key to Peshawar Zalmi's success?
Bangladesh fast bowler Nahid Rana was signed by the Babar Azam-led team for a price of PKR 60 lakh at the inaugural PSL auction. He represented the Peshawar-based franchise with stellar success, emerging as one of their most potent weapons with the ball.
Overall, Nahid played four matches for Babar Azam's team, scalping seven wickets, including a sensational three-wicket haul.
His strike rate of 12 suggests that he chipped in with regular breakthroughs, while his economy of 5.43 showcased how effectively he controlled the flow of runs.
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Therefore, considering Nahid's impactful returns, the Peshawar Zalmi expected a game-changing performance from him in the PSL 2026 playoffs.
However, in a dramatic sequence of events, the fast bowler's PSL return is in jeopardy, as the Zalmi has no clarity on his re-joining.
Nahid Rana yet to ask for NOC despite being rested for New Zealand T20Is
Notably, Nahid Rana flew back to Bangladesh for the home ODI series against New Zealand. He exhibited red-hot form, scalping six wickets in two outings.
As he's a valuable asset for the Bangladesh cricket team, the BCB rested Nahid for the first two T20Is against New Zealand to manage his workload heading to the Test series against Pakistan.
However, despite being rested for the first two matches of the T20I series, the promising fast bowler didn't approach the BCB for an NOC to make his PSL 2026 comeback.
According to senior Pakistani journalist Sohail Imran, Nahid has yet to request an NOC despite not featuring in the Bangladesh vs New Zealand T20Is.
"Peshawar Zalmi's fast bowler Nahid Rana has not yet requested an NOC from the BCB to rejoin the PSL. Nahid Rana will not participate in the first two matches of the T20 series against New Zealand. The BCB is resting Nahid under load management ahead of the Test series against Pakistan," Sohail Imran posted on X.
Therefore, there's some uncertainty looming over his return to the Pakistan-based T20 league, as Babar Azam's Peshawar Zalmi eagerly await his arrival ahead of the PSL 2026 playoffs.
Who could lead Peshawar Zalmi pace attack in Nahid Rana's absence?
If Nahid Rana remains unavailable for the remainder of the PSL 2026, we might see a spin-heavy unit leading the Peshawar Zalmi bowling department in the playoffs.
The Babar Azam-led team has Iftikhar Ahmed and Michael Bracewell as its spin all-rounders, with Aaron Hardie, Sufyan Muqeem, Ali Raza and Mohammad Basit offering the other bowling options.
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