PESHAWAR: Peshawar Zalmi made their first big player acquisition for Pakistan Super League season 11 by signing Afghan wicketkeeper-batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz.
Zalmi owner Javed Afridi announced the signing through social media while he introduced Gurbaz as a new member of the “Zalmi family.
Gurbaz is performing as a top-order batsman who employs an aggressive batting technique, while his wicket-keeping abilities permit him to execute quick dismissals. Gurbaz has played in the PSL for two teams, which are Islamabad and Multan Sultans. Peshawar Zalmi will gain from their power play aggressive strategy because it will provide them a strong beginning through their top order batting.
We are proud to confirm the direct signing of Afghanistan’s star wicketkeeper-batter, @RGurbaz_21
🔥 Explosive with the bat.
🧤 Lightning-fast behind the stumps.
🏃 A gun fielder with extraordinary energy.A warm welcome to the Zalmi Fam 💛🤝#Zalmi #YellowStorm pic.twitter.com/jl8b61WUwL
— Peshawar Zalmi (@PeshawarZalmi) February 5, 2026
The Afghan cricketer currently represents Afghanistan during the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, which starts on February 7. The selection of his team has received opposing reactions from Zalmi supporters because of the current diplomatic situation between the two nations.
The PSL has seen some Afghan players such as Rashid Khan choose to abstain from participation which creates uncertainty about Gurbaz’s decision to take part in the tournament.
The initial PSL 11 trading window has seen all franchises make important player signings. The Lahore Qalandars obtained Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman, while Karachi Kings signed England all-rounder Moeen Ali and Islamabad United acquired Devon Conway and Sialkot Stallions landed Steve Smith who became the most valuable player signing thus far.
PSL-11: Steve Smith becomes the most expensive player in PSL history
The 11th edition of the Pakistan Super League has set a record of its kind even before the start as for the first time, the franchises made important decisions under the auction model and Australian star Steve Smith emerged as the most expensive player in the league.
According to media reports, the new franchise Sialkot Stallions has added former Australian captain Steve Smith to its team through direct signing. The franchise announced the deal through social media, with which it was confirmed that Steve Smith will be seen playing in the Pakistan Super League for the first time. According to reports, Sialkot Stallions signed Smith for Rs 140 million for this deal, after which he became the most expensive player in the history of PSL and a new milestone has been set in the financial history of the league.
Meanwhile, the compensation of the players retained for PSL 11 has also been announced. Peshawar Zalmi has retained Babar Azam, Lahore Qalandars has retained Shaheen Shah Afridi and Islamabad United has retained Shadab Khan for Rs 70 million each.
A major change has also been made in the PSL player selection system this season. Instead of the traditional draft, an auction model has now been introduced, under which franchises can retain only one player from each category, while the rest of the squad will be completed through auction.
