ISLAMABAD (AP) — A franchise in the Pakistan Super League has signed Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman, whose removal from the Indian Premier League created issues during the T20 World Cup.
Lahore Qalandars signed Mustafizur for $230,000 in a draft that allows teams to pick one player before the auction on February 11.
Mustafizur was initially purchased for $1 million by the Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL. However, on January 3, the Board of Control for Cricket in India instructed Kolkata to release him without providing details, coinciding with regional tensions.
This decision angered Bangladesh, leading its cricket board to request a relocation of T20 World Cup matches from India to co-host Sri Lanka due to “security concerns.” The International Cricket Council declined the request, dismissing the justification, which resulted in Bangladesh being removed from the tournament.
The Pakistan Cricket Board, supporting Bangladesh, criticized the ICC for its inconsistent approach. Additionally, the Pakistani government directed the national team not to play India in the T20 World Cup starting Saturday, as matches between the two countries generate significant revenue for the ICC.
Lahore has drafted Mustafizur for the third time since the PSL began in 2016.
“Once a Qalandar, always a Qalandar,” said Lahore owner Sameen Rana. “Mustafizur is more than just a player; he’s part of our family. His talent, experience, and commitment will be crucial as we look to defend our title.”
