Sunday, 5th April 2026
Khabor Wala Desk
Published: 24th March 2026, 7:34 PM
Karachi, Pakistan – Just ahead of the 11th season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), Peshawar Zalmi, owned by Nahid Rana and Tanzid Hasan Tamim, have bolstered their squad with a rising international talent. The franchise confirmed the signing of Zimbabwean opener Bryan Bennett, marking his debut in any foreign T20 league. The announcement was made by franchise owner Javed Afridi, who welcomed Bennett to the “Zalmi family” via a post on X (formerly Twitter).
The 22-year-old right-handed batsman made a strong impression during the ICC T20 World Cup, held recently in India and Sri Lanka. Bennett emerged as the sixth highest run-scorer of the tournament, amassing 292 runs in six matches at an average of 146.00. Known for his aggressive strokeplay, he has also scored 1,888 runs in 58 T20 internationals at a strike rate of 144, underlining his reputation as a dynamic top-order batsman.
This PSL opportunity represents a significant milestone in Bennett’s career, offering exposure to high-pressure franchise cricket and the chance to test his skills against some of the world’s best T20 players.
This season of the PSL will feature eight teams, including newcomers Hyderabad Kings and Rawalpindi United, competing across 44 matches over 39 days. Teams will battle fiercely for the coveted title, with Peshawar Zalmi looking to combine international experience with local talent.
The final squad for Peshawar Zalmi is a mix of experienced internationals and promising domestic players:
| Player Name | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Babar Azam | Captain | Pakistan national team stalwart |
| Sufiyan Mukim | All-rounder | Emerging local talent |
| Bryan Bennett | Opener | Zimbabwean, T20 World Cup standout |
| Tanzid Hasan Tamim | All-rounder | Franchise co-owner and player |
| Abdul Samad | Batsman | Dynamic middle-order |
| Ali Raza | Bowler | Left-arm pacer |
| Aaron Hardy | All-rounder | Pace-bowling option |
| Amir Jamal | Bowler | Experienced domestic fast bowler |
| Khurram Shahzad | Bowler | Right-arm pacer |
| Mohammad Haris | Wicketkeeper-batsman | Explosive batting potential |
| Khalid Usman | Batsman | Experienced domestic talent |
| Abdul Subhan | Bowler | Spin option |
| James Vince | Batsman | English international |
| Michael Bracewell | All-rounder | New Zealand international |
| Kusal Mendis | Batsman | Sri Lankan international |
| Iftikhar Ahmed | All-rounder | Middle-order stability |
| Nahid Rana | Bowler | Franchise co-owner and pacer |
| Mirza Tahir Baig | Bowler | Domestic fast bowler |
| Kashif Ali | Batsman | Young domestic talent |
| Shahnawaz Dahani | Bowler | Pakistan national team fast bowler |
| Farhan Yousuf | All-rounder | Promising youngster |
| Shariful Islam | Bowler | Spin specialist |
Bennett’s inclusion adds depth to Peshawar Zalmi’s top order, complementing the leadership of Babar Azam and the all-round capabilities of Tamim and other international signings. Analysts suggest that with a blend of youthful exuberance and seasoned professionals, Zalmi have a strong chance of challenging for the PSL 2026 title.
Fans eagerly await the start of the tournament, anticipating high-octane T20 action and a platform for emerging talents like Bryan Bennett to shine on a global stage.
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