Mustafizur Rahman has joined the Pakistan Super League (2026) after his controversial exit from the Tata Indian Premier League (IPL) auction in December. He will join defending champions Lahore Qalandars for the 11th edition of the PSL. This is not the first time that he has performed for the franchise. He was previously selected by the Qalandars in 2016 and 2018.
The Bangladeshi fast bowler is set to return to the franchise after 8 years for the 2026 season after signing for PKR Rs 6.44 crore. Mustafizur Rahman has represented Bangladesh in 15 Tests, 116 One Day Internationals and 126 Twenty20 Internationals, and has taken 366 wickets across all formats. Furthermore, the 30-year-old bowler has played franchise cricket around the world, taking 412 wickets in 322 matches at an average of 21.03.
Mustafizur Rahman-starring Lahore Qalandars will reclaim the trophy
The defending champions have already retained captain Shaheen Afridi, Abdullah Shafiq, all-rounders Sikandar Raza and Mohammad Naim for the upcoming season. Bangladesh was removed from the ICC after refusing to change its stance on traveling to India citing security reasons. Pakistan supported Bangladesh and hence has decided to boycott the match against India.
The latest issue regarding the ICC T20 World Cup arose when Mustafizur was dropped by Indian Premier League (IPL) club Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on January 3 following the orders of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
Ruckus continues regarding T20 World Cup
Bangladesh were replaced by Scotland in the mega-event after several meetings between the BCB and the International Cricket Council (ICC). To add to the tension, the government of Bangladesh has announced a ban on IPL broadcast and coverage in the country.
Lahore Qalandars owner Sameen Rana said, “Once a Qalandars, always a Qalandars. Mustafizur is not just a player; he is a brother, an important part of our family that never left.” “We are thrilled to welcome him back to our dressing room. His talent, experience and dedication will be invaluable as we aim to defend our title and make a statement in PSL 11.”
PSL has brought new rules
In the PSL, he is the second direct signing of the season after Sialkot Stallions’ Steven Smith. Outside the February 11 auction, each team is allowed to sign one player.
As per the new rule, all players – retained, signed directly, or selected in the auction – will have a two-year contract with their franchise. Teams can sign 16 to 20 players, which will include five to seven foreign players and at least one local player under the age of 23 who has not yet played PSL.
Speaking on his behalf, Bangladesh national team assistant coach Mohammad Salahuddin shared Mustafizur Rahman’s reaction in Mirpur on Tuesday, saying that he personally found Mustafizur’s mentality inspiring. “He could have wasted a lot of money. But he understands that it was not in his hands. It’s something to learn from him, and maybe other people will learn from it too.” However, the fast bowler has remained calm over choosing chaos and has distanced himself from the limelight.
Also read: Amid rising tension, Pakistan Cricket Board announces ban on PSL in India
