PCB Chair Mohsin Naqvi and the PSL 2026 trophy. Credits: x.com/KantInEastt
The Pakistan Super League (PSL) versus Indian Premier League (IPL) saga is at its peak, even without the start of the two extravaganzas. With shots being fired from both quarters, the drama will be neck-to-neck as the two leagues kickstart later this month.
The IPL 2026 will begin on March 28, with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru taking on the SunRisers Hyderabad in Bengaluru. Meanwhile, PSL 2026 kicks off two days before the Indian T20 league, with Lahore Qalandars versus Hyderabad Kingsmen.
As the PSL 2026 is just days away from its curtain raiser, a lot of their foreign stars are pulling out to be replaced in the IPL. The latest casualty in PSL was Dasun Shanaka, who opted out of his deal with Lahore Qalandars to join the Rajasthan Royals.
Also Read: Dasun Shanaka's IPL Participation For Winners Confirmed, Mohsin Naqvi's PSL Disgraced
Peshawar Zalmi sign Brian Bennett: Reports
Reportedly, the Babar Azam-led Peshawar Zalmi are looking to sign the Zimbabwean star opener, Brian Bennett, for the upcoming season. The 22-year-old was one of the finds during the recently concluded 2026 T20 World Cup.
During that tournament, he made a rare milestone by getting dismissed just twice, amassing 292 runs in six innings at an average of 146.00 and including a precious 97 not out against India in the Super 8s.
Interestingly, Bennett had given his name for the PSL 2026 auction, but the talented batter went unsold. He was also on a list of players not registered for the IPL 2026 mini-auction.
Notably, the franchise hasn’t made any announcements regarding Bennett’s inclusion or which player he will replace.
Rawalpindiz owner hints at major PSL signing
It is worth mentioning that the Rawalpindiz owner, Ahsan Tahir, had hinted about the league signing an overseas player that will “shake the entire PSL.”
“We will sign an international player as a replacement who will shake up the entire PSL,” Rawalpindiz owner told Relukattay.
As of yet, Kusal Mendis, Michael Bracewell, James Vince, Aaron Hardie, Tymal Mills and Nahid Rana are among the overseas signees for the Zalmis. It would be interesting to see whether the Zimbabwean star will replace any of these foreign stars.
Has Brian Bennett played any T20 league?
Although Brian Bennett hasn’t played in any top-tier franchise league, he is a reliable all-round option who knows how to roll his arm to bowl handy off-spin. This means, if selected, the PSL 2026 will be Bennett’s maiden experience as a T20 agent.
Overall, the top order batter has scored over 2,500 runs in T20 cricket at a whopping strike rate of 138.29, alongside 18 wickets. Moreover, he has amassed 2745 international runs, including four centuries and 14 half-centuries.
When is Peshawar Zalmi's first game in PSL 2026?
Nevertheless, Peshawar Zalmi will kickstart their PSL 2026 campaign against the Rawalpindiz this Saturday, March 28, at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.
The league announced that the season will be played behind closed doors, across only two venues—Lahore and Karachi. This decision amid fuel concerns made due to rising tensions from the ongoing conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan, as well as due to the war in the Middle East.
Also Read: BCCI Mocks Mohsin Naqvi's PCB With Latest IPL Announcement After PSL Setback
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