After the Twitter controversy, Naseem Shah is in news again but this time because of an injury that ruled him out of the PSL 2026 tournament. Shah has been ruled out of the remainder of PSL 2026 for an indefinite period due to a side strain injury. The injury occurred during Rawalpindiz's match against Karachi Kings on April 2, where he felt sharp discomfort under his left ribcage and was forced to leave the field after bowling just 2.2 overs.

Naseem felt sharp discomfort during the second over of his spell. After bowling just 2.2 overs, he signaled to the team management and walked off the field. While a "side strain" is the official term, medical staff are evaluating it as a potential intercostal muscle issue. Recent scans led doctors to advise complete rest for the immediate future.

Rawalpindiz officials have not ruled him out for the entire season; they are targeting a possible return during the latter stages of the tournament, provided his recovery progresses according to plan and he receives full fitness clearance. Naseem was named the most expensive player in the PSL 2026 auction, signed for a record PKR 86.5 million. His absence will be a major blow to a team that has already struggled, losing its first three matches of the season. The franchise is carefully managing his workload given his history of back and shoulder issues, which previously sidelined him for large portions of past seasons. 

Naseem Shah’s tough start to PSL 2026 

Before being ruled out due to injury, Naseem Shah had a struggling start to PSL 2026, managing only one wicket across his appearances for Rawalpindiz. His record for the season was marked by high economy rates, including a streak of conceding 50 or more runs in multiple consecutive matches. His only dismissal this season was Muhammad Waseem of the Karachi Kings.

 Naseem was the most expensive bowler in the tournament opener against Peshawar Zalmi, finishing with an economy of 12.75.He reportedly set a record for the most consecutive PSL innings (4) where a bowler conceded 50 or more runs, extending from the end of the previous season into 2026.