Afghanistan team with Babar Azam. Image Credits: X
Just like India-Pakistan clashes light up cricket stadiums, a new rivalry is brewing between Pakistan and Afghanistan. In recent times, the geopolitical relationship between the neighbors worsened, affecting their cricketing relations.
Amidst this, the Afghan players’ association in the upcoming PSL 2026 has raised eyebrows, but a shocking thing stunned the cricket world. Reports reveal a shocking mass withdrawal, with ten more Afghan stars pulling out of the tournament.
Mass exit hits PSL as Afghan players step away unexpectedly
The rivalries have always been the most exciting part of the cricket world, and with time, some of the gripping contests added immense drama to the game. While India-Pakistan battles remain unmatched in thrill, the Pakistan-Afghanistan clash is heating up fast, promising fierce action in the coming years.
In recent times, Pakistan-Afghanistan’s cross-border tension has entered the 22 yards, and the upcoming PSL 2026 saw the biggest hit. Despite the rivalry, several Afghan players associated themselves with the franchise league of Pakistan, and that move created buzz.
But later on, their movement stunned the cricket world even more. Reports revealed that the Afghanistan government refused to grant NOCs for players to join PSL 2026. Following this, several stars pulled out. But the shocking twist was still ahead.
As per the latest reports, 10 more Afghan stars, including Sediqullah Atal, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Mohammad Nabi, and Fazalhaq Farooqi, pulled out of the tournament. Before the tournament, that move grabbed the attention as it added another layer to their diplomatic turmoil.
Gurbaz quits PSL even after landing a direct signing
The PSL 206 draft is still a few days apart but the franchises are in a hurry to make a solid squad. Sticking to their strategy, teams secured some of cricket’s biggest stars through direct signings. Peshawar Zalmi grabbed headlines by making Rahmanullah Gurbaz their standout direct signing.
But the move sparked controversy as Afghanistan fans slammed Gurbaz for joining the PSL. But just a day after the signing, the Afghanistan batter stunned the world with an unexpected move. The Afghan batter withdrew from PSL 2026 and announced it himself in a video shared on his social media.
It was not his debut season in the tournament as he played for the Multan Sultans in 2021 and also represented Islamabad United later on. While he cited personal reasons for his recent withdrawal, fans are buzzing that international tensions may have played a role in his decision.
PSL 2026 is ready for a grand arrival
Since the first season of the marquee T20 league, the PSL 2026 is ready for a grand arrival. The tournament has grown even bigger with the addition of two new teams. Alongside Pakistan’s stars, some of the biggest names in world cricket will also take the field on home soil.
The franchises have finalized the retentions and are all set to make a mighty squad in the upcoming auction. The event is set for February 11, with 879 players from 24 countries registering for the tournament. The Pakistani fans are eagerly waiting for another exciting edition of the tournament.
