The Lahore Qalandars have signed Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman for the Pakistan Super League 2026, marking a significant moment in his career. This signing follows his departure from the Indian Premier League 2026 after an unexpected exit, despite being signed for a substantial amount.
Mustafizur was previously acquired by the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for INR 9.20 crores during the IPL 2026 auction, making him one of the most expensive International players. However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) terminated his contract due to worsening India-Bangladesh political relations and rising security concerns.
Although this decision was a setback in his career, it opened up new opportunities for him. The Lahore Qalandars signed him as an overseas player in PSL 2026, which coincides with the IPL timeframe.
Lahore Qalandars Welcome Back Their Old Star
The Lahore Qalandars announced Mustafizur Rahman’s signing on their social media platform X, expressing joy at reuniting with a familiar player and considering him part of the Qalandars family.
Lahore Qalandars tweets:
“Our Bangladeshi brother, @Mustafiz90, picked in 2016 and 2018, is now our direct signing and finally back with the family. Once a Qalandar, always a Qalandar.”
Mustafizur will be playing his third season for Lahore Qalandars in the PSL. He has previously represented the team in the 2016 and 2018 seasons. While his time in the PSL has been limited, the team values his ability to handle pressure situations.
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Experience and Numbers Across Leagues
Mustafizur Rahman has played more matches in the IPL than in the PSL according to his statistics, having participated in 60 IPL matches and taken 65 wickets, making him one of the most successful Bangladeshi bowlers in the league’s history.
This season, he has played five PSL matches and secured four wickets, with an economy rate of 6.43, demonstrating his ability to restrict runs in challenging situations, particularly during the middle and death overs.
Throughout his IPL career, Mustafizur has played for multiple teams including Sunrisers Hyderabad, Rajasthan Royals, Delhi Capitals, Mumbai Indians, and Chennai Super Kings. His skill in delivering cutters and slower balls has made him a valuable player in international T20 cricket.
A Fresh Start After a Tough Phase
Mustafizur Rahman faced both professional and personal challenges following his IPL exit. Being released from the team after a high auction price was a significant blow to his career. However, the direct signing by Lahore Qalandars has reportedly restored his confidence, with a contract value of PKR 6.44 crores.
This deal strengthens the Lahore franchise’s bowling lineup, giving Mustafizur another chance to showcase his skills on a prominent platform. The team believes his experience will be vital as they gear up for the PSL 2026 season and future auctions.
Background of the Controversy
Reports indicate that KKR released Mustafizur at the BCCI’s request. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) protested this decision, leading them to ask the ICC to relocate Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup 2026 matches to Sri Lanka due to security concerns.
The ICC denied the request, and Bangladesh was replaced by Scotland as a participant in the tournament. Mustafizur’s signing by Lahore Qalandars is a positive outcome amidst these challenges for the team.
