Warriors lose two key stars as Nabi, Gurbaz leave CPL for international duty
Key Points(5)
- The Guyana Amazon Warriors have been almost perfect so far in the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL), but their impressive campaign is about to face a significant test.
- They will lose two important members of their squad, Afghanistan stars Mohammad Nabi and Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who are expected to depart the CPL to join their national team for a three-match T20 International series against India beginning September 13.
- The departures come at a crucial stage of the tournament, with the Amazon Warriors sitting second in the standings on 12 points after winning six of their seven matches and already securing a place in the playoffs.
- To fill the void, the franchise will bring in Bangladesh all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Pakistan wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Haris.
- Nabi leaves as one of the tournament’s best bowlers Among the two departures, Nabi’s absence could prove particularly difficult to absorb.
The Guyana Amazon Warriors have been almost perfect so far in the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL), but their impressive campaign is about to face a significant test.
They will lose two important members of their squad, Afghanistan stars Mohammad Nabi and Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who are expected to depart the CPL to join their national team for a three-match T20 International series against India beginning September 13.
The departures come at a crucial stage of the tournament, with the Amazon Warriors sitting second in the standings on 12 points after winning six of their seven matches and already securing a place in the playoffs.
To fill the void, the franchise will bring in Bangladesh all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Pakistan wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Haris.
Nabi leaves as one of the tournament’s best bowlers
Among the two departures, Nabi’s absence could prove particularly difficult to absorb.
The veteran all-rounder has been a central figure in the Warriors’ dominant start, combining economical bowling with his experience and versatility in the field and lower order.
He leaves the competition as the CPL’s second-highest wicket-taker and its leading spinner, having claimed 12 wickets in six innings at an impressive economy rate of 5.80 runs per over.
His most recent contribution was particularly influential.
Nabi took four wickets against the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots in Providence on Sunday, helping the Warriors secure the result that officially confirmed their place in the playoffs.
For captain Imran Tahir, replacing Nabi’s experience and influence will be no simple task.
“He’s been an absolute legend. He’s one of the best offspinners in world cricket at the moment and that’s the reason we got him. He can bat and is a really good slip fielder.
“He’s also been good with us, sharing his knowledge and the way he’s been bowling has been brilliant. From GSL [Global Super League] till now, his lengths are so good and he never missed anything in any game. We’re really going to miss him,” Tahir said.
Gurbaz’s explosive batting also departing
The Warriors will simultaneously lose one of their most dangerous attacking batsmen.
Gurbaz has played only two innings this season but has already made a significant impact, accumulating 93 runs.
His campaign began with a blistering 54 from 35 deliveries against the Jamaica Kingsmen before he followed it with 39 from 25 balls against the Patriots.
That combination of power and aggression has given the Warriors another potent weapon at the top of the order.
His departure therefore creates another important gap for the league leaders to fill as they move toward the decisive stages of the competition.
Mehidy arrives with full season availability
The Warriors have moved quickly to strengthen their squad, with Mehidy Hasan Miraz coming in as one of the replacements.
The Bangladesh all-rounder will be available for the remainder of the CPL because he was not selected for Bangladesh’s T20I squad for the upcoming Asian Games in Japan.
His availability provides the Warriors with an experienced option capable of contributing in both disciplines as they attempt to maintain their momentum without Nabi.
Haris will also join the squad, giving the franchise additional wicketkeeping and batting depth following Gurbaz’s departure.
A new challenge for the tournament leaders
The timing may be inconvenient, but the Warriors have already done much of the hard work.
Six wins from six matches have put them at the summit with 12 points, while their playoff berth is already secured.
The next challenge is preserving that momentum without two players who have played important roles in their unbeaten run.
Nabi leaves behind outstanding bowling numbers and a wealth of experience. Gurbaz departs after demonstrating in just two innings how quickly he can change the complexion of a game.
Now Mehidy and Haris inherit the task of helping the Warriors maintain their position of strength.
For a team that has lost just once, the real test may now be whether its remarkable consistency can survive the loss of two of its most influential performers.
