LAHORE: Bangladesh pacer Nahid Rana has reunited with Peshawar Zalmi ahead of the Pakistan Super League 11 final scheduled for Sunday after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (PCB) restored his no-holds-barred certificate (NOC).
The PCB initially allowed Rana to participate in the tournament only till April 13, after which he was withdrawn as part of a workload management plan.
He was then rested for the opening two T20 Internationals of Bangladesh’s domestic series against the New Zealand national cricket team to aid his recovery.
Following the fresh assessment, the board cleared him to participate in the PSL final. In an official statement, the PCB emphasized the importance of franchise cricket in a player’s development and confirmed that Rana has received a full medical clearance.
“The decision has been taken considering the importance of participating in the finals of a major global franchise, which is considered an important step in the player’s continued development,” the board said.
“Most importantly, the team management and BCB medical staff have given clearance, confirming that his participation in the tournament will not adversely affect his fitness, workload management or availability for national duty,” the statement added.
Rana has been in sensational form in recent weeks. In four matches for Zalmi, he has taken seven wickets at an average of 10.85 and an economy rate of 5.42, including 3 for 7 against Karachi Kings.
In the second ODI against New Zealand, he took 5 for 32 and ended the series as the leading wicket-taker with eight wickets.
While Rana was initially expected to resume preparations for Bangladesh’s upcoming Test series against the Pakistan national cricket team starting on May 8 in Dhaka, the BCB has confirmed that he remains in the squad.
Meanwhile, PSL 11 is nearing its end, with debutants Hyderabad Kingsmen set to face Shadab Khan-led Islamabad United in Eliminator 2.
Kingsmen progressed after defeating Multan Sultans in Eliminator 1, while Islamabad United lost against Peshawar Zalmi in the qualifiers.
Zalmi have already booked their place in the final and will meet the Eliminator 2 winner in the PSL 11 Grand Clash on Sunday.
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