New Delhi: Bangladesh Mustafizur Rahman landed a deal in Pakistan Super League Season 11 after the PSL franchise Lahore Qalandars announced the direct signing of the Bangladesh pacer, who was released by IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders.
Rahman was axed from the KKR roster on the BCCI directive for unspecified reasons. His removal triggered a chaotic chain of events, including the withdrawal of the Bangladesh national team from the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 and Pakistan’s boycott from high-profile fixture against India.
While BCCI did not give a reason for Mustafizur’s axing, it came amidst the tense political ties between India and Bangladesh following the killings of Hindus in the neighbouring country.
Bangladesh remained firm on their stance of not visiting India, citing security concerns, despite the International Cricket Council’s independent security review for the tournament to be played in India and Sri Lanka. The ICC board voted against Bangladesh’s demand of venue change, and the Asian side was replaced by Scotland.
Subsequently, the Pakistan government announced the boycott of the India match in support of Bangladesh.
Mustafizur will return to the Qalandars franchise after two previous stints in 2016 and 2018.
He was signed for PKR 6.44 crore (roughly Rs 2 crore in Indian currency).
Mustafizur’s homecoming at Qalandars
“Once a Qalandar, always a Qalandar. Mustafizur is not just a player; he’s a brother, a key part of our family who never left,” said Sameen Rana, Owner, Lahore Qalandars.
Earlier, Qalandars included captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, talented batter Abdullah Shafique, dynamic all-rounder Sikandar Raza, and gifted youngster Mohammad Naeem in their retention list.
Rahman’s signing boosts the team’s core ahead of the auction.
Mustafizur was bought by the Knight Riders for a hefty Rs 9.20 crore at the IPL 2026 mini-auction at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, on December 16, after a fierce bidding war between Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals.