PCB Bans Afghanistan Players From the PSL
A major development has emerged as the PSL has decided that Afghan players will not take part in the upcoming season. The decision comes after several Afghan cricketers removed PSL from their social media bios, which created strong backlash among fans and officials.
According to reports, PSL management views the move as disrespect toward the league. Officials say that if players do not value PSL, then PSL will also not offer them a place. As a result, Afghan cricketers will stay at home and watch the tournament on TV rather than participate.
The decision reflects the importance Pakistan places on its cricketing dignity. Even when former Multan Sultans owner Ali Tareen made comments about PSL, officials continued efforts to resolve issues. Afghan players, they say, come far behind in priority.
Pakistan has also decided there will be no cricketing engagement with Afghanistan for now. This follows Afghanistan’s withdrawal from the recent tri-nation series and the players’ public remarks. With PSL’s announcement, it has become clear that cricket relations between the two nations have reached a halt.
Future matches in ICC events will depend on international scheduling, but beyond that, Pakistan is unlikely to play Afghanistan any time soon. Officials say that such decisions may change only if political and cricket relations improve in the future.
Analysts question what Afghanistan gained from the situation. Pakistan was the only major country regularly playing bilateral cricket with Afghanistan and including them in tri nation series to support their growth. With Pakistan stepping away, Afghanistan’s options are limited to playing with teams like Oman, UAE, or Zimbabwe. Australia, New Zealand, and England have already shown reluctance to engage with Afghanistan.
The PSL ban also narrows the league opportunities available for Afghan players. PSL was one of the few platforms where Afghan and Pakistani cricketers shared dressing rooms and built professional relationships.
The situation now leaves Afghanistan isolated and facing reduced international cricket exposure.
