Rawalpindiz, one of the new franchises in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), have enhanced their lineup for the upcoming 11th edition by acquiring Australian veteran Usman Khawaja as a replacement for Laurie Evans. The team officially announced the signing on their social media channels, warmly welcoming the seasoned left-handed batsman to their ranks.
Usman Khawaja brings extensive experience to the newly formed Rawalpindiz squad. He has played 121 T20 matches, accumulating over 3,400 runs at an average of 30.35, with a strike rate of 131.32. His T20 career includes stints in prominent leagues such as Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL), England’s Vitality Blast, and the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Notably, Khawaja is familiar with the PSL environment, having represented Islamabad United in the 2021 season. During that tournament, he delivered an impressive performance, scoring 246 runs across seven matches at an average of 49.20 and maintaining a strike rate above 150.
His addition is expected to bring stability and valuable experience to Rawalpindiz’s batting lineup as they prepare for their debut season in the competition. The PSL 11 will be a landmark event, featuring eight teams for the first time, including the new entrants Hyderabad Kingsmen and Rawalpindiz. The tournament will span 44 matches over 39 days.
Meanwhile, preparations for the PSL have undergone a significant change. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi announced on Sunday that the tournament will be hosted at only two venues, Karachi and Lahore. Furthermore, the matches will be conducted behind closed doors, with no spectators allowed in the stadiums.
