UAE cricketers recalled by Emirates Cricket Board from Karachi Kings during PSL edition 11

Monday, 6 April 2026 | Web Desk

In an unexpected development during the ongoing 11th edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) has recalled two United Arab Emirates cricketers representing Karachi Kings, sources confirmed to Geo News on Sunday.

The two players – Khuzaima Bin Tanveer and former UAE captain Muhammad Waseem – have departed for their home country after being instructed to participate in the UAE’s domestic D50 tournament, a 50-over competition that began on March 30 and runs through April 10.

Players Expected to Return After Domestic Commitments

According to sources close to the development, the ECB issued a direct directive for the players to return immediately and feature in the ongoing domestic competition. However, in a move that offers some relief to the Karachi Kings franchise, both players are expected to rejoin the PSL side after playing two matches in the D50 tournament.

Permission has reportedly been granted for their return to the Kings following the completion of those fixtures.

Impact on Karachi Kings

The timing of the recall creates uncertainty for Karachi Kings, who are scheduled to face Peshawar Zalmi on April 9 in Karachi. Whether Khuzaima and Waseem will be available for that crucial clash remains subject to their availability after completing their domestic commitments in the UAE.

Muhammad Waseem has played three PSL matches for Karachi Kings so far this season – scoring a duck in the opener against Quetta Gladiators, followed by 38 runs against Lahore Qalandars and 23 runs against Rawalpindi. Khuzaima Bin Tanveer is yet to make his PSL debut.

Despite the temporary absence of two overseas players, Karachi Kings currently sit at the top of the PSL 11 points table with three wins in three matches, holding six points and a net run rate of 0.486.

Domestic Tournament Context

The D50 tournament has become a regular fixture in the UAE domestic cricket calendar since its launch in 2020. The seventh edition of the competition features six teams – Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Emirates Blues, Fujairah, and Sharjah – competing across venues in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Ajman, and Sharjah.

The final of the tournament is scheduled for April 10, with Abu Dhabi entering as defending champions after winning the 2025 title.

Social Media Speculation

The player recall has sparked discussion on social media, with some commentators drawing a connection to recent financial transactions between Pakistan and the UAE. However, the Foreign Office has strongly rejected any such speculation, dismissing “misleading and unfounded commentary” surrounding Pakistan’s repayment of financial deposits to the UAE.

Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi clarified that the deposits held with the State Bank of Pakistan were placed under bilateral commercial agreements and that the current repayment is a “routine financial transaction” carried out under mutually agreed terms.

“The deposits demonstrate the UAE’s strong support for Pakistan’s economic stability and prosperity,” Andrabi stated, reaffirming the longstanding fraternal partnership between the two nations.

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Team Management Response

Karachi Kings management has reportedly expressed full support for the players fulfilling their national commitments. A team insider described the recall as “standard procedure from the UAE board,” adding that the Kings are confident in their squad depth and expect the players to return after completing their domestic matches.

Looking Ahead

The temporary departure of Khuzaima and Waseem highlights the ongoing challenges franchise leagues face in balancing international commitments with domestic tournament schedules. For Karachi Kings, maintaining their top-table momentum while managing overseas player availability will be a key test as PSL 11 progresses toward the playoff stage.