Fresh controversy in Pakistan: Afghan cricketers pull out of PSL auction amid diplomatic tensions

Several Afghanistan cricketers stepped back from the Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 11 players’ auction in Lahore, amid rising tensions between the two neighbouring countries.

Initially, a number of prominent Afghan players  including Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Mohammad Nabi, Fazal Haq Farooqi, Waqar Salamkheil and Seddiqullah Atal  had registered their names for the auction. However, they later withdrew from the process.

According to a PSL franchise owner, the withdrawals came after strong reactions followed Peshawar Zalmi’s direct signing of Afghanistan opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz. The move reportedly triggered criticism due to the strained political relationship between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

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PSL Chief Executive Officer Salman Naseer acknowledged that some Afghan players were part of the auction pool but claimed that no franchise ultimately placed bids for them.

“There were a few Afghanistan players available in the auction, but no team opted to pick them,” Naseer said.

He also admitted that the ongoing diplomatic strain appeared to influence developments around the league. The backlash intensified after Gurbaz signed with Zalmi and subsequently pulled out of the tournament, prompting other Afghan players to reconsider their participation.

Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have remained tense since late last year, following cross-border military action by Pakistan targeting alleged militant hideouts in Afghan territory. The situation further escalated on social media, where players from Afghanistan criticised Pakistan’s actions, drawing sharp responses from Pakistani users.