Usman Khawaja Replaces Laurie Evans at Rawalpindi Pindiz for PSL 2026

Usman Khawaja has replaced Laurie Evans as the overseas player for Rawalpindi Pindiz in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026. Khawaja, a former Australian opener, brings a wealth of experience to the team, having played 121 T20 matches and scoring over 3,400 runs at a strike rate of 131.32. He previously represented Islamabad United in the 2021 PSL season, scoring 246 runs at a strike rate of 152.79. Khawaja recently retired from international cricket and played for Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash League. Usman Khawaja, 39, has had a busy few months! Recently retired from international cricket during the Ashes, he's kept busy playing T20s for Brisbane Heat in the BBL and Sheffield Shield for Queensland, which marked the end of his first-class career. Khawaja's got experience in the PSL! He lit it up for Islamabad United in 2021, scoring 246 runs at a strike rate of 152.79, including an unbeaten 105 against Peshawar Zalmi. Usman Khawaja is set to join Rawalpindi Pindiz as a replacement for Laurie Evans, who withdrew from the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026 at the last minute. Khawaja, a 39-year-old Australian catter, recently retired from international cricket and has played for Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash League. He'll potentially open with captain Mohammad Rizwan for Pindiz. This isn't Khawaja's first PSL stint; he played for Islamabad United in 2021, scoring 246 runs at a strike rate of 152.79. Other Withdrawals: Jake Fraser-McGurk (Australia) withdrew and was replaced by Cole McConchie (New Zealand)Dasun Shanaka (Lahore Qalandars) and Blessing Muzarabani (Islamabad United) pulled out for IPL contracts. The PSL 2026 is underway, with matches being played behind closed doors in Lahore and Karachi due to regional tensions. The PSL begins on March 26 when Qalandars take on Hyderabad Kingsmen. Pindiz play their first match on March 28, in an afternoon game against Zalmi. The first 14 games of the tournament will be played in Lahore before the action moves to Karachi. This PSL will also be played behind closed doors because of the lack of resources as a result of the war in West Asia.