Massive blow for Zalmi as red-hot pace duo pulled out mid-tournament

PESHAWAR: Peshawar Zalmi are set to lose two of their key pace bowlers, Shoriful Islam and Nahid Rana, to national duty following their Pakistan Super League (PSL 11) match against Multan Sultans on Sunday.

According to officials, the Bangladesh Cricket Board had initially granted No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) to both players until April 12. However, the board extended the clearance by one day at the request of Zalmi and the Pakistan Cricket Board, allowing the duo to feature in the April 13 fixture.

Both players are scheduled to join Bangladesh’s ODI squad on April 14 as preparations begin for an upcoming series against New Zealand national cricket team.

Nahid Rana made a notable contribution during his stint with Zalmi, claiming five wickets in three matches while maintaining an economy rate of 5.20.

With the departure of the two pacers, Zalmi are expected to rely on Ali Raza, Khurram Shehzad, Shahnawaz Dahani, Kashif Ali and Tymal Mills to shoulder the pace attack for the remainder of the tournament.

Peshawar Zalmi currently sit at the top of the PSL 11 standings with nine points from five matches, having secured four wins while one match was washed out.