Peshawar Zalmi gets major boost as Nahid Rana granted NOC for PSL final

Peshawar Zalmi have received a major boost ahead of the PSL 11 final, with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) granting a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to fast bowler Nahid Rana, clearing him to play in Sunday’s summit clash at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

The 23-year-old pacer had featured in four matches for Zalmi this season, picking up seven wickets, before being recalled for national duty. Bangladesh had called him back for their three-match ODI series against New Zealand, which they won 2-1.

Zalmi owner Javed Afridi had reached out publicly on April 13, thanking newly appointed BCB chairman and former captain Tamim Iqbal for extending NOCs to both Nahid Rana and Shoriful Islam for the closing stages of the tournament.

“Brother @TamimOfficial28, thank you very much for giving Nahid and Shoriful a chance to play the last two matches. Zalmi fans want them to return to the team as soon as possible after their ODIs end. Many prayers and love,” Afridi wrote on X.

He later reposted his message with a specific mention of the final. “Thank you, Brother Tamim, for permitting Nahid Rana to feature for Peshawar Zalmi in the #PSL11 final match InshaAllah,” he added.

The news comes on the back of a dominant Zalmi performance in the Qualifier, where they posted 221/7 against Islamabad United.

Captain Babar Azam anchored the innings with a blistering 103 off 59 balls, hitting 12 fours and four sixes. His century off 57 balls was his second of the tournament and the fourth of his PSL career. He took the Player of the Match award for the knock.

In reply, United folded for 151 in 18.4 overs, with Aaron Hardie leading the attack with three wickets, while Sufiyan Muqeem and Mohammad Basit took two each. Michael Bracewell and Khurram Shahzad chipped in with one apiece.

Sunday’s final will mark Zalmi’s fifth appearance in a PSL final. Before they get there, the playoff stage continues with Hyderabad Kingsmen taking on Multan Sultans in Eliminator 1 on Wednesday. The winner advances to Eliminator 2 to face Islamabad United for a place in the final.