Usman Khawaja’s Picks for PSL 2026
Usman Khawaja, who once played for Australia, shared his list of standout performers from the PSL 2026 season. His selection did not include any of Pakistan’s top cricket stars such as Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, or Shaheen Afridi. Khawaja returned to the PSL this season as a replacement player for the Rawalpindi Pindiz, contributing with three games where he scored 75 runs, including one half-century.
Despite the Pindiz finishing last in the points table with only one victory, Khawaja identified several exceptional players during the tournament. Here are some of the key names that stood out:
Sameer Minhas: The Rising Star
Khawaja highlighted Sameer Minhas as the most impressive player of the season. The young batter played for Islamabad United and delivered an outstanding performance with the bat. He scored 349 runs in 11 matches, hitting three half-centuries along the way. His batting average of 38.77 and a strike rate of 155 were particularly notable.
Khawaja praised Sameer for his confidence and maturity on the field. The player has already represented Pakistan in Under-19 cricket and is seen as one of the country’s most promising talents. According to Khawaja, T20 cricket can be unforgiving, but Sameer has shown he can handle the pressure.
Ali Raza: A Pace Bowler to Watch
Khawaja also commended fast bowler Ali Raza, another rising star in Pakistani cricket. The teenage pacer played for Peshawar Zalmi and continued his impressive form throughout the season. He took a total of 10 wickets and even achieved a hat-trick during the tournament.
Ali Raza has taken 22 wickets in 14 matches across two PSL seasons. Khawaja was impressed by his ability to consistently bowl at speeds exceeding 150 km/h. The Australian batter noted that Ali Raza has mastered the art of delivering hard lengths at just 18 years old. Many fans and experts believe he could soon become a key player for Pakistan.
Experienced Players Make the Cut
In addition to the young talents, Khawaja’s list included experienced players with significant playing backgrounds. One such name was South African batter Dian Forrestor, who scored 132 runs for the Rawalpindi Pindiz and provided crucial contributions during the season.
Khawaja also included Sahibzada Farhan and Iftikhar Ahmed in his selection. Both players represent the Pakistan national team, and Khawaja expressed confidence in their abilities. He predicted that Farhan will succeed in international competition due to his current form and effective batting performances.
Regarding Iftikhar Ahmed, Khawaja joked about the 35-year-old all-rounder but acknowledged his valuable contributions. The player made significant impacts with both bat and ball, particularly in critical matches. Khawaja praised Iftikhar for his economical bowling and ability to take useful wickets for his team throughout the tournament.
Conclusion
Khawaja’s list reflects a mix of emerging talents and seasoned professionals who made a mark in the PSL 2026 season. From Sameer Minhas’s consistent batting to Ali Raza’s formidable pace, the tournament showcased a range of skills that could shape the future of Pakistani cricket. As the sport continues to evolve, these players will likely play a vital role in the national team’s success.
