RawalPindiz Signs Ben Sears to Replace Injured Naseem Shah as Pace Crisis Hits PSL 2026 Campaign

LAHORE: RawalPindiz have added New Zealand fast bowler Ben Sears to their squad ahead of their next Pakistan Super League fixture, reinforcing their pace resources after injuries to key bowlers Naseem Shah and Zaman Khan.

Sears, who is currently touring Sri Lanka with the New Zealand A side, is expected to link up with the team shortly, subject to clearance. The right-arm quick is set to make his PSL debut, having previously featured in franchise cricket with the Washington Freedom in Major League Cricket.

At international level, Sears has represented New Zealand in both white-ball formats, taking 31 wickets in T20Is and adding ten wickets in a handful of ODI appearances.

Injuries Force Squad Reshuffle

The move comes as RawalPindiz deals with multiple injury concerns in their bowling unit. Naseem Shah has been ruled out for now after picking up a side strain during a recent match against the Karachi Kings. Team management indicated that his recovery is ongoing, with further medical assessment scheduled later this month.

Zaman Khan is also unavailable after suffering a shoulder injury while playing domestic cricket. The fast bowler sustained a dislocation during a fielding effort and has been replaced in the squad by Jalat Khan.

Despite his absence from the playing XI, Naseem Shah remains with the squad as part of the setup during his rehabilitation phase.