Khawaja Joins Pindiz as Evans Replacement; Chris Green Signs for Islamabad United

Veteran Australian batter Usman Khawaja has been drafted into Rawalpindi Pindiz’s squad for PSL 2026 as a replacement for England’s Laurie Evans. While the franchise did not disclose the reason for Evans’ withdrawal, they confirmed Khawaja’s inclusion via social media ahead of the tournament.

Khawaja, 39, recently retired from international cricket following the Ashes earlier this year but remains active in domestic and franchise formats. He featured for Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash League, scoring 108 runs at an impressive strike rate of nearly 148 across three innings, and also turned out for Queensland in the Sheffield Shield, marking the end of his first-class career.

This will not be Khawaja’s first stint in the Pakistan Super League. He previously represented Islamabad United in 2021, where he enjoyed a standout campaign, scoring 246 runs in seven innings at an average of 49.20 and a strike rate above 150. His performances included a memorable unbeaten century of 105 against Peshawar Zalmi.

At Pindiz, Khawaja could partner captain Mohammad Rizwan at the top of the order, strengthening their batting lineup following multiple withdrawals. The franchise had earlier replaced Jake Fraser-McGurk with New Zealand’s Cole McConchie.

Meanwhile, Islamabad United have also made a change, with Chris Green coming in for injured Australian batter Max Bryant. Green, an offspinner, brings prior PSL experience, having featured for Multan Sultans in 2019.

PSL 2026 is set to begin on March 26, with Rawalpindi Pindiz opening their campaign on March 28 against Peshawar Zalmi. The tournament will initially be held in Lahore before shifting to Karachi and will be played behind closed doors due to logistical challenges linked to the ongoing situation in West Asia.

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