Bangladesh pacer returns for May 3 showdown after workload concerns eased, remains on track for Pakistan Test series

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Bangladesh fast bowler Nahid Rana has been granted a fresh No-Objection Certificate (NOC) by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), allowing him to return to the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026 final and rejoin Peshawar Zalmi.

The BCB had initially permitted Nahid to participate in the PSL only until April 13, after which he was withdrawn to manage his workload ahead of international commitments. However, considering the importance of the PSL final scheduled for May 3, the board has now reversed its earlier decision.

In an official statement, the BCB confirmed that the decision was made keeping in mind both the player’s development and fitness. The board added that its medical team and national management had cleared Nahid’s participation, ensuring it would not impact his long-term workload or availability for Bangladesh duty.

The move comes shortly after Nahid was rested for the first two T20Is of Bangladesh’s ongoing home series against New Zealand. Despite the tight schedule—with the PSL final just days before Bangladesh’s Test series against Pakistan starting May 8 in Dhaka—the board remains confident about his readiness.

Nahid has been in exceptional form throughout PSL 2026. In four matches for Zalmi, he picked up seven wickets at an impressive average of 10.85 and an economy rate of 5.42. His standout performance included figures of 3 for 7 against Karachi Kings. He also carried his momentum into international cricket, claiming five wickets in an ODI against New Zealand and finishing as the leading wicket-taker of the series with eight scalps.

Zalmi owner Javed Afridi expressed gratitude to BCB president Tamim Iqbal for facilitating Nahid’s return ahead of the high-stakes final.

With his form and fitness aligning at the right time, Nahid Rana’s return is expected to significantly boost Peshawar Zalmi’s bowling attack as they prepare for one of the biggest matches of the PSL season.