Nahid Rana secures NOC return for Peshawar Zalmi before PSL 2026 final

Bangladesh Cricket Board allows Nahid Rana to play for Peshawar Zalmi in the PSL 2026 final on May 3 after initially restricting his participation.

BCB grants permission for return The Bangladesh Cricket Board first approved Nahid Rana’s no-objection certificate (NOC) to compete in the PSL only until April 13, after which he was withdrawn from the league to manage his physical load. Now, just days before the final, the board has reversed its decision, permitting his return to action for Peshawar Zalmi in the PSL final taking place on May 3. This move comes despite him being unavailable for the first two T20Is of Bangladesh’s ongoing home series against New Zealand due to rest. The BCB explained the decision, stating that the chance to play in a major global franchise final is crucial for the player’s long-term growth. ## Medical and team clearance confirmed The BCB confirmed that both the team management and the board’s medical team have given their approval for Nahid Rana to feature in the PSL final. Their assessment ensures that his participation will not negatively impact his fitness levels, workload balance, or readiness for upcoming national duties. The board emphasized that his return aligns with both his personal development and the team’s needs at this stage. This endorsement follows a period of careful evaluation to safeguard his long-term cricketing future. ## Zalmi owner thanks BCB leadership Peshawar Zalmi’s owner Javed Afridi publicly acknowledged the BCB president Tamim Iqbal for granting Nahid Rana permission to play in the PSL final. In a social media post, Afridi expressed gratitude, writing: Thank you Brother Tamim for permitting Nahid Rana to feature for Peshawar Zalmi in the #PSL11 final match InshaAllah. The tweet included a link to further details about the decision, reflecting the owner’s satisfaction with the outcome. ## Recent performances highlight player's value Nahid Rana has been in exceptional form recently, delivering strong performances for Peshawar Zalmi prior to his national call-up. In the four matches he played before joining Bangladesh’s squad, he claimed seven wickets at an average of 10.85 and an economy rate of just 5.42. One standout performance came against Karachi Kings, where he took 3 for 7 as the opposition was bowled out for 87 after Zalmi scored 246. His impact was evident in high-pressure situations, reinforcing his importance to the side. ## Bangladesh series success adds to credentials Before leaving for Bangladesh duty, Nahid Rana also made a significant contribution with the ball in the ODI series against New Zealand. He took 5 for 32 in the second ODI, helping his team secure a crucial victory. By the end of the series, he finished as the highest wicket-taker with eight scalps at an average of 16.75, further establishing his reputation as a key bowler for the national team. ## Workload management and future plans The BCB had initially scheduled a six-day rest period for Nahid Rana, which was set to conclude on Wednesday. This break was intended to prepare him for Bangladesh’s Test series against Pakistan, beginning in Dhaka on May 8. Despite the PSL final being scheduled just five days before the first Test, the BCB reassured that Nahid remains on course to be available for the match. The decision reflects a balance between franchise commitments and national team responsibilities.