Pacer Ihsanullah joins Peshawar Zalmi for PSL 10
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Fast bowler Ihsanullah has officially joined Peshawar Zalmi for the 10th edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), just hours before the tournament’s opening ceremony, marking a dramatic turnaround in the pacer's franchise cricket career.
The franchise confirmed the signing on Friday via Instagram, announcing that Ihsanullah has been picked in the supplementary category.
“Right Arm Fast Bowler @ihsanullah.50 joins the #YellowStorm in Supplementary Category for #HBLPSLX,” Peshawar Zalmi posted, ending weeks of speculation.
The 22-year-old speedster made headlines earlier this month when he was spotted wearing a Zalmi jersey, fueling rumors that he had left Multan Sultans. He was also seen attending Zalmi's training camp. Zalmi Chairman Javed Afridi welcomed him onboard, while Coach Mohammad Akram confirmed, “Ihsanullah has been with us for two months. He is an asset for Pakistan, and we will support him.”
Ihsanullah gained national attention after a sensational PSL 8 performance in 2023, where he claimed 22 wickets for Multan Sultans. He later made his T20I debut for Pakistan in March 2023. However, an elbow injury during his ODI debut against New Zealand in April 2023 sidelined him for several months. Despite returning to competitive cricket in 2024, Multan Sultans did not select him in the PSL 10 draft.
In a shocking twist after going unsold, Ihsanullah announced his retirement from franchise cricket, stating, “People are self-serving. I boycott the PSL, no one will ever see me in the PSL.”
The statement created a stir, especially as it followed closely on the heels of the draft snub. He expressed disappointment at not being contacted, even suggesting that his talent had been recognized, but not he himself.
However, within 24 hours, Ihsanullah reversed his decision. "I take my decision back," he said in a video message. "No franchise picked me, and the comments of a lot of people sent me over the edge. I'm going to work hard. The same people who didn't select me will select me in the future."
The fast bowler now gets a second wind with Peshawar Zalmi, just as the PSL 10 kicks off with a blockbuster opener between defending champions Islamabad United and two-time winners Lahore Qalandars at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium tonight (April 11).
The 2025 season will feature 34 matches from April 11 to May 18, with key fixtures including two Eliminators and the grand final scheduled at Lahore’s iconic Gaddafi Stadium.