New Delhi, February 7: Diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan remain strained following an airstrike along the border. Consequently, the Afghan government has denied its players the No Objection Certificate (NOC) to participate in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). As a result, Afghan wicketkeeper-batsman Rahmanullah Gurbaz has withdrawn from the PSL.
The Afghan government’s refusal to grant NOCs is a significant setback for the league.
According to a report by Telecom Asia Sport, the Afghan government made this decision after a December airstrike by Pakistan on strongholds in Afghanistan. This news surfaced on the same day that Peshawar Zalmi announced Gurbaz’s signing.
Reports indicate that the PSL has increased team salary caps to 500 million PKR, making it an attractive opportunity for players. The 11th edition, starting on March 26, will feature two new teams—Hyderabad and Sialkot. All teams have the right to sign one player directly before the auction on February 11, marking the first auction in PSL history.
Afghanistan withdrew from a triangular series held in Pakistan last year after three young players were killed in an airstrike.
The Afghanistan Cricket Board stated that the loss of players Kabir Agha, Sibtullah, and Haroon was a significant blow to the cricketing community.
Pakistan raised questions about why these three players were at a terrorist hideout when they were attacked. The strike occurred in a house in the Urgon district of Paktika province, where the players were reportedly having a meal after a match.
Pakistan denied targeting civilians or players, but Afghanistan has refused to accept this claim. Previous talks between the two nations last year ended unsuccessfully.
Gurbaz is among the most popular Afghan cricketers in franchise leagues. He has played in the Indian Premier League, Bangladesh Premier League, Caribbean Premier League, and ILT20. The 24-year-old has participated in three PSL seasons, playing for Multan Sultans in 2021 and for Islamabad United in 2022 and 2023.
In a social media post, Gurbaz expressed regret over his withdrawal from the PSL, citing personal reasons. However, PSL officials have denied that he has officially pulled out of the league.