Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman has secured a swift return to top-tier franchise cricket abroad, signing up for the 11th edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) just days after being dropped from the Indian Premier League (IPL).
The PSL confirmed Mustafizur’s inclusion on Tuesday through its official social media channels, posting a photo of the left-arm pacer with the caption: “Batters better shake carefully… Its going to Fizz in the new era. Mustafizur Rahman joins HBL PSL 11.”
Mustafizur’s move comes in the wake of a controversial exit from the IPL, where he was set to represent Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
The two-time IPL champions had acquired him for a reported BDT 9.20 crore (INR 9.20 crore) following a competitive bidding war involving Chennai and Delhi.
However, KKR released the Bangladeshi pacer last Saturday, reportedly acting on a directive from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
The decision was attributed to political objections and alleged threats from extremist groups, according to sources cited at the time.
While the IPL setback appeared abrupt, the PSL opportunity has offered Mustafizur a timely alternative.
His specific franchise in Pakistan is yet to be confirmed, as he will enter the upcoming PSL player draft, where he is widely expected to be among the most sought-after overseas picks.
The 2026 edition of the PSL is scheduled to run from March 26 to May 3 and will be the league’s largest yet, expanding from six to eight teams.
For Mustafizur, the tournament also marks a return after a seven-year absence. He last featured in the PSL in 2018, representing Lahore Qalandars, where he claimed four wickets in five matches.
With the PSL’s expansion and Mustafizur’s proven pedigree in T20 cricket, the Bangladeshi pacer now has an opportunity to turn an IPL disappointment into PSL comeback.
Mustafizur, however, has not made any comment on this regard after PSL announcement.
