Usman Khawaja has been drafted into the Rawalpindi Pindiz squad as a replacement for middle-order batter Laurie Evans for PSL 2026. The franchise did not disclose the reason behind Evans’ unavailability but confirmed via social media that Khawaja would join the side for the upcoming season.
The 39-year-old recently stepped away from international cricket during the Ashes earlier this year. He featured in the Big Bash League for Brisbane Heat, scoring 108 runs at a strike rate of close to 148 from three innings. Khawaja also represented Queensland in the Sheffield Shield, which marked the conclusion of his first-class career.
Khawaja brings prior PSL experience, having played for Islamabad United in the 2021 edition. He enjoyed an impressive campaign that season, amassing 246 runs from seven innings at an average of 49.20 and a strike rate of 152.79. His performances included an unbeaten 105 against Peshawar Zalmi, during which United posted 247 — the highest total in PSL history at that time. Although United finished at the top of the table, they were eliminated by Zalmi in the second eliminator.
Now joining a new franchise, Khawaja could potentially open the batting alongside captain Mohammad Rizwan. Rawalpindi Pindiz had earlier lost Australia’s Jake Fraser-McGurk, who withdrew from the squad and was subsequently replaced by New Zealand’s Cole McConchie.
Evans’ late exit adds to a growing list of withdrawals from the PSL in recent weeks. While the exact reason for his decision remains unclear, players such as Dasun Shanaka of Lahore Qalandars and Blessing Muzarabani of Islamabad United have also pulled out after securing IPL contracts.
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Chris Green replaces Max Bryant at Islamabad United
Meanwhile, Islamabad United have brought in offspinner Chris Green as a replacement for Max Bryant, who has been ruled out of the tournament due to injury. Bryant had played five matches for Peshawar Zalmi last season and was signed by United for PKR 1.95 crore ahead of PSL 2026.
Green has previously featured in the PSL, having represented Multan Sultans in five matches during the 2019 season.
PSL 2026 is scheduled to begin on March 26 with Lahore Qalandars facing Hyderabad Kingsmen. Rawalpindi Pindiz will start their campaign on March 28 in an afternoon fixture against Zalmi. The opening 14 matches of the tournament will be staged in Lahore before the competition shifts to Karachi. The season will also be played behind closed doors due to limited resources amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia.
