Rawalpindiz Forced Into Big Move In PSL 2026 After Naseem Shah Injury

Rawalpindiz sign Naseem Shah injury replacement [Source: AFP Photos]

The PSL 2026 season saw a new franchise Rawalpindiz making its debut along with Hyderabad Kingsmen. However, the franchise has hit a rough spot early into the season as Naseem Shah has picked up an injury.

The pacer suffered a side injury during a match against Karachi Kings and has reportedly been ruled out for the foreseeable future. Naseem is set for further medical tests on April 15.

Rawalpindiz sign a replacement for Naseem Shah

That being said, Naseem Shah is expected to return only towards the end of the tournament, meaning the Rawalpindiz will be without their prime pacer for the remainder of the PSL 2026 season.

Regardless, the Rawalpindiz moved swiftly to take action. According to Geo TV, the franchise has reportedly signed New Zealand’s young talent Ben Sears as a replacement for Naseem Shah. Sears is currently with New Zealand A in Sri Lanka and may join Rawalpindiz squad soon.

Ben Sears will be an exciting addition to the Rawalpindiz’s squad. He has played 27 T20Is, picking up 31 wickets, and has also featured in MLC. Although this will be his PSL debut, he arrives as a ready replacement rather than a long-term project.

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Naseem Shah lands in big trouble

Interestingly, this time, Naseem Shah has more trouble waiting for him. Before this side strain, Shah injured his shoulder during the 2023 Asia Cup, which required surgery, and he eventually had to skip the 2023 ODI World Cup. 

Shah also faced calf and arm issues in the past couple of years, which have left the PCB deeply concerned. According to reports, the PCB may put him under strict workload management.

Naseem Shah could also be called for an extensive rehabilitation session under the guidance of the PCB medical team.

His further selection into the Pakistan national team will also depend on necessary medical clearance. 

Off-field controversies damaged Naseem Shah’s image

Apart from on-field issues, Naseem Shah also landed in hot water over his social media activities. Just days before the injury, he was fined PKR 20 million by the PCB for a controversial social media post involving a politician.

Naseem clarified that his management was behind this and he had nothing to do with the message conveyed through the post. He later sacked his social media manager as well.

However, since the post was linked to Naseem Shah and his official social media account, PCB jumped into action. They put a lifetime ban on the manager and punished the fast bowler with the heaviest fine in the history of PCB.

With all these situations colliding, PCB seems to believe Naseem Shah has lost that balance. And now, the pacer is not just fighting an injury. But he’s fighting for trust.

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