In a significant development for the Pakistan Super League, defending champions Lahore Qalandars have made a major acquisition by signing Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman as a direct pick for the upcoming 2026 season. The franchise has secured the services of the experienced pacer for a substantial sum of PKR 6.44 crore, marking his return to the team where he previously played during the 2016 and 2018 editions of the tournament.
A Homecoming for the Bangladeshi Speedster
Mustafizur Rahman's return to Lahore Qalandars represents a homecoming for the talented bowler, who has maintained strong connections with the franchise despite his international commitments and participation in various global T20 leagues. The 30-year-old cricketer brings with him a wealth of experience and a proven track record across all formats of the game.
Franchise Leadership Expresses Delight
Lahore Qalandars owner Sameen Rana expressed immense enthusiasm about Mustafizur's return, emphasizing the bowler's integral role within the team's family structure. "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," Rana stated in an interview with Pakistan news outlet ASports.
"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," the franchise owner added, highlighting the strategic importance of this signing for their championship defense campaign.
Impressive Career Statistics
Mustafizur Rahman boasts an impressive international career spanning multiple formats:
- Test Cricket: 15 matches for Bangladesh
- ODI Career: 116 appearances for the national team
- T20 Internationals: 126 matches representing Bangladesh
- Total International Wickets: 366 wickets across all formats
The left-arm fast bowler has also established himself as a formidable force in franchise cricket worldwide, having participated in 322 matches and claiming 412 wickets at an impressive average of 21.03. This extensive experience in various competitive environments makes him a valuable asset for any T20 franchise.
Recent Developments and International Context
Mustafizur's move to Lahore Qalandars follows a challenging period in recent weeks. The Bangladeshi pacer was released by Indian Premier League franchise Kolkata Knight Riders last month, despite KKR having acquired him for Rs 9.20 crore at the IPL auction after competitive bidding from Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India provided limited explanation for this decision, citing only "the developments all around" as the reason for Mustafizur's release. This development occurred against the backdrop of broader cricketing tensions between India and Bangladesh.
Broader Cricketing Implications
Following Mustafizur's IPL release, significant developments unfolded in Bangladesh's cricketing relations with India. The Bangladesh Cricket Board implemented a ban on IPL broadcasts within the country and declined to send its national team to India for scheduled matches.
These decisions had further-reaching consequences when the International Cricket Council rejected Bangladesh's request to relocate its T20 World Cup matches from India to Sri Lanka. This rejection ultimately resulted in Bangladesh being excluded from the tournament, with Scotland taking their place in the competition.
The Lahore Qalandars' acquisition of Mustafizur Rahman therefore represents not just a strategic franchise move, but also occurs within a complex international cricketing landscape where player movements and national board decisions intersect in significant ways.
