Naseem Shah ruled out of PSL 2026 with side injury, Rawalpindiz yet to name replacement

Naseem Shah ruled out of PSL 2026 with side injury, Rawalpindiz yet to name replacement (Source P Murtaza Ali/Getty Image)

Fast bowler Naseem Shah has been ruled out of the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026 following a side injury, which will not allow him to take part in any form of cricket for an indefinite period. The injury took place during Rawalpindiz versus Karachi Kings, where Naseem bowled only 2.2 overs but gave away 26 runs and picked up a wicket.

The Rawalpindiz’s medical team took Naseem for assessment, later clarifying that the speedster won’t be able to take part in the remainder of the marquee 20-over tournament. Rawalpindiz confirmed the same via an official media statement on Tuesday, April 07. They are, however, yet to name a replacement for the pace bowler.

“The team’s medical staff are closely monitoring his [Naseem’s] recovery and are targeting a possible return towards the end of the [ongoing] tournament, subject to his rehabilitation progress and fitness clearance,” the franchise informed via a media release.

The media statement from the franchise also added that the team wishes to stand by the departing pacer during his tough time. The team will also be supporting Naseem to ensure a speedy recuperation from the injury, since his presence in the squad adds a lot of value to the dressing room. The Mohammad Rizwan-led side are also hopeful of seeing Naseem back on the field stronger than ever.

“Rawalpindiz stood firmly with Naseem during this challenging period and remained fully committed to supporting him through his recovery. His presence in the squad is invaluable, and the entire franchise looks forward to seeing him back on the field stronger than ever,” the release read further.

Rawalpindiz’s updated squad for PSL 2026

Mohammad Rizwan (C & WK), Abdullah Fazal, Sam Billings (WK), Usman Khawaja, Shahzaib Khan, Yasir Khan, Laurie Evans, Amad Butt, Asif Afridi, Dian Forrester, Kamran Ghulam, Cole McConchie, Daryl Mitchell, Rishad Hossain, Saad Masood, Fawad Ali, Jalat Khan, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Amir Khan, and Razaullah