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LAHORE: Defending champions Lahore Qalandars have signed Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman as a direct signing for the 11th season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), the franchise said, marking the return of a player who featured for the team in earlier editions of the tournament.
Mustafizur, who previously played for the Qalandars in 2016 and 2018, was signed for Rs6.44 crore. The left-arm seamer is among Bangladesh’s most experienced white-ball bowlers and has been a regular presence in T20 leagues around the world.
“Once a Qalandar, always a Qalandar,” team owner Sameen Rana said. “Mustafizur is not just a player; he’s a brother, a key part of our family who never left. His talent, experience and dedication will be invaluable as we aim to defend our title and make a statement in PSL 11.”
The signing comes after a turbulent period in Mustafizur’s franchise career. He was released by Indian Premier League side Kolkata Knight Riders on January 3 on the instructions of BCCI without any public explanation. He had been bought by the franchise with a heavy purse of 1 million dollar. Mustafizur’s ouster had sparked strong reaction among Bangladeshi fans. The episode was widely discussed on social media and became a reference point in online calls by sections of supporters to boycott the Cricket World Cup held in the region, reflecting broader frustrations over player representation and treatment in foreign leagues.
Bangladesh government also latter decided that it cannot send its team to India for T20 World Cup which begins on Saturday due to security reasons. Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) had requested ICC that its matches should be shifted to Sri Lanka from India but the global body’s Executive Board ruled against Bangladesh and did not accept its request.
Bangladesh was given a deadline to confirm its participation in the World Cup but Bangladesh government made its final call that it cannot send its team to India due to security fears. ICC then replaced Bangladesh with Scotland.
Lahore Qalandars had earlier retained captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, Abdullah Shafique, all-rounder Sikandar Raza and emerging player Mohammad Naeem, strengthening the team’s core ahead of the main player auction.
With Mustafizur’s return, Qalandars have added experience and variety to their bowling attack as they look to extend a period that has seen them emerge as one of the Pakistan Super League’s most successful franchises and defend their title in PSL 11.
