The Pakistan Super League (PSL) has signed Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman following a major controversy surrounding his sudden removal from the Indian Premier League (IPL), a decision that escalated into a diplomatic and cricketing crisis ahead of the T20 World Cup.
PSL franchise Lahore Qalandars drafted Mustafizur Rahman for $230,000 under a special provision that allows teams to select one player ahead of the February 11 auction. This marks the third time the Bangladeshi left-arm pacer has been signed by the Lahore-based club since the PSL began in 2016.
Pakistan Super League Signs Mustafizur Rahman
The move comes after Mustafizur was abruptly released by IPL side Kolkata Knight Riders. The Bangladesh international had been bought for $1 million, but on January 3 the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) instructed Kolkata to release the player without issuing a public explanation. The decision came amid rising regional tensions.
The incident triggered strong reactions in Bangladesh, where the country’s cricket board formally requested that its T20 World Cup matches be moved from India to co-host Sri Lanka, citing security concerns. However, the International Cricket Council (ICC) rejected the request, dismissed the security justification, and subsequently excluded Bangladesh from the tournament.
Pakistan publicly backed Bangladesh during the dispute. The Pakistan Cricket Board accused the ICC of applying double standards, while the Pakistani government directed its team not to play India in the T20 World Cup, which is set to begin on Saturday. Matches between India and Pakistan are among the ICC’s most commercially valuable fixtures.
Despite the controversy, Lahore Qalandars welcomed Mustafizur’s return, highlighting his long-standing association with the franchise.
“Once a Qalandar, always a Qalandar,” Lahore owner Sameen Rana said in a statement. “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.”
Mustafizur Rahman’s signing is expected to strengthen Lahore Qalandars’ bowling attack as they prepare to defend their PSL title, while also marking a significant moment amid ongoing tensions in international cricket politics.
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