Rawalpindi Pindiz have turned to Usman Khawaja after the late withdrawal of English batter Laurie Evans, confirming the change on Monday via social media. “Usman Khawaja will join the squad in Rawalpindi later this week,” the franchise wrote, offering no explanation for Evans’ absence.
Khawaja, 39, called time on his Australia career during last summer’s Ashes but has shown he can still shift gears in short-form cricket. In the recent Big Bash League he scored 108 runs in three outings for Brisbane Heat at a strike-rate just shy of 150, while his Sheffield Shield appearances for Queensland served as a low-key farewell to first-class cricket.
The left-hander is no stranger to the Pakistan Super League. With Islamabad United in 2021 he piled up 246 runs in seven innings, averaging 49.20 and striking at 152.79. The highlight was an unbeaten 105 against Peshawar Zalmi, part of a then-record team total of 247. United finished top of the table that season but slipped out in the second eliminator, also to Zalmi.
Back then Khawaja reflected on the experience, saying, “I still enjoy batting; franchise cricket keeps that competitive spark alive.” That desire will now be tested with a new side, and he is likely to open alongside captain Mohammad Rizwan.
The Pindiz have already had to reshuffle once, bringing in New Zealand all-rounder Cole McConchie for Australia’s Jake Fraser-McGurk. Similar late withdrawals have dotted the league: Dasun Shanaka left Lahore Qalandars to join the IPL, while Blessing Muzarabani exited Islamabad United for the same reason.
Rawalpindi coach Wasim Akram, asked about the frequent changes, kept it simple: “You adapt, you move on. That’s league cricket.” Khawaja’s arrival, he added, “gives us experience at the top and a calm head in tight chases”.
The PSL begins on 26 March, with Lahore Qalandars facing Hyderabad Kingsmen in Lahore. Pindiz start two days later, an afternoon clash against Zalmi. The first 14 matches will be staged in Lahore before the competition moves to Karachi. As last year, all games will be played behind closed doors, a decision the PCB says reflects budget pressures linked to the ongoing conflict in West Asia.
Key dates
26 March – tournament opener, Lahore
28 March – Pindiz v Zalmi, Lahore (day match)
For Khawaja, it is another chance to extend an already varied T20 journey; for Rawalpindi, it is a timely boost after a disruptive build-up.
