LAHORE: (Yaseen Hashmi) Afghanistan opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s sudden withdrawal from Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 11 has sparked controversy and raised concerns about relations between the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) and Pakistan cricket authorities.
Gurbaz had signed a contract with PSL franchise Peshawar Zalmi but announced his withdrawal a day later, citing personal commitments. The decision prompted Zalmi to issue a clarification, stating that the franchise had secured no-objection certificates (NOCs) from both the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the ACB before signing the player.
The abrupt exit has fueled speculation among cricket stakeholders and fans, with some questioning whether broader tensions are influencing player participation. Gurbaz was previously involved in emotionally charged statements following Afghanistan’s matches against Pakistan last year, drawing criticism from Pakistani fans.
The controversy follows Afghanistan’s earlier decision to withdraw from a tri-nation T20 tournament scheduled in Lahore, which further strained cricketing ties between the two countries. Many Pakistani supporters have since expressed opposition to including Afghan players in PSL franchises.
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