Rahmanullah Gurbaz Joins Peshawar Zalmi for PSL 11

Feb 5, 2026 - 21:00

Rahmanullah Gurbaz is also a marquee direct signing by Peshawar Zalmi in the next season. On Thursday, the 2017 champions gave the Afghan star a formal reception. This is a move that is arrived at a few days ahead of the historic PSL 11 player auction. Gurbaz wore a traditional turban in a joint poster which was actively shared by the franchise. They greeted him using the Pashto word Pakhair Raghlay.

This can be interpreted to mean a warm welcome to the Zalmi over the family. In my opinion, this is an excellent marketing strategy with a high-risk sporting base. Zalmi has a huge following in the Pashtun areas. Importing such an Afghan figure as Gurbaz reinforces that culture equally. But the statistics speak otherwise.

Gurbaz is at present performing dismally in the PSL. He has only made 318 runs in 15 games of the past seasons. Those figures must be given a substantial lift by someone with his reputation. Peshawar is squarely wagering on his explosive power and his lightning quick glove work. They require someone who can give them fast starts together with Babar Azam. Gurbaz has been known to play the powerplay fearlessly.

When he gets his swing, he can take any bowling attack apart. In case he fails, Zalmi may regret taking a direct signing spot on him. The timing is also crucial. PCB is shifting towards an auction model this year. By getting Gurbaz at an early cost, Zalmi evades the possibility of there being a bidding war.

The remaining budget they have can now be used to strengthen their middle order. It will be a matter of proving his critics wrong on the young Afghan. He must convert his foreign manifestation into home uniformity. The fans are anxious to know whether this Yellow Storm signing will be fruitful.