Nahid Rana cleared to return for Peshawar Zalmi in Pakistan Super League 2026 final

Nahid Rana is set to return to the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026 after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) granted him a fresh No-Objection Certificate (NOC), reversing its earlier decision to withdraw him from the tournament.

The BCB had initially allowed Nahid to participate in the PSL only until April 13, before pulling him out to manage his workload. However, the pacer is now expected to rejoin Peshawar Zalmi for the final on May 3. His return comes despite being rested for the first two T20Is of Bangladesh’s ongoing home series against the New Zealand men's cricket team.

"This decision has been made considering the significance of participating in the final of a major global franchise competition, which is viewed as an important step in the continued development of the player. More importantly, the team management and BCB medical team has provided clearance, confirming that his participation in the match will not adversely affect his fitness, workload management or availability for national duty,” said the BCB statement as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

Nahid has been in outstanding form in recent weeks. In the four matches he played for Peshawar Zalmi before returning for national duty, he picked up seven wickets at an impressive average of 10.85 and an economy rate of 5.42. His standout performance came against Karachi Kings, where he claimed 3 for 7 as Zalmi bowled them out for just 87 after posting a massive 246.

He carried that form into international cricket, registering figures of 5 for 32 for Bangladesh men's cricket team in the second ODI against New Zealand, and finishing as the leading wicket-taker of the series with eight wickets at an average of 16.75.

The BCB had initially rested Nahid for six days, with his break scheduled to end on Wednesday, after which he was expected to begin preparations for the upcoming Test series against Pakistan men's cricket team, starting in Dhaka on May 8. Despite the PSL final being scheduled just five days before the first Test, the BCB has confirmed that Nahid remains on track to be available for the red-ball series.