LAHORE: Peshawar Zalmi have received a boost ahead of the HBL Pakistan Super League 11 grand final, scheduled for Sunday at the Gaddafi Stadium, with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) officially granting a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to fast bowler Nahid Rana.
The 23-year-old pacer has already featured in four PSL 11 matches, claiming seven wickets with his pace and aggression. However, he was unavailable for Zalmi’s later fixtures after being recalled for Bangladesh’s three-match ODI series against New Zealand, which Bangladesh won 2-1. Rana was part of that series alongside fellow pacers Shoriful Islam and Mustafizur Rahman, the latter also associated with Lahore Qalandars in franchise cricket.
On April 13, Zalmi owner Javed Afridi publicly thanked newly appointed BCB chairman and former captain Tamim Iqbal for extending NOCs to Rana and Shoriful Islam, allowing them to rejoin PSL duties. Afridi expressed his appreciation on social media platform X, writing: “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 later reposted his message, once again acknowledging Tamim’s support: “Thank you, Brother Tamim, for permitting Nahid Rana to feature for Peshawar Zalmi in the #PSL11 final match InshaAllah.”
Rana’s availability adds depth to Zalmi’s bowling attack, which has already been one of the most consistent units in the tournament. His return provides captain Babar Azam with an additional strike option as Zalmi prepare to face either Islamabad United or Multan Sultans in the title clash.
