Pakistan Super League signs Bangladesh’s Mustafizur after IPL controversy

by Thobelani Moyo | by Thobelani Moyo

image Pakistan Super League signs Bangladesh’s Mustafizur after IPL controversy
After a controversial exit from Kolkata Knight Riders, who participated in the Indian Premier League, the Pakistan Super League, particularly the Lahore Qalandars, acquired the services of their former man, Mustafizur Rahman, ahead of the new season. This marks a fresh chapter in the 30-year-old's international career.
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From IPL controversy to World Cup exit

Mustafizur Rahman, who recently played for Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League (IPL), was removed from the club without any sort of sensible reason. This was the decision of the Board of Control for Cricket, which was carried out on January 3rd.

Following that decision, Bangladesh, which was supposed to participate in the T20 World Cup games, handed in a proposal to have their games played in Sri-Lanka, co-hosts of the tournament, rather than India. 

Unfortunately, that plea didn't come to fruition, resulting in the country's exit from the tournament. The ICC rejected the country's venue change and replaced it with Scotland. Stay up to date with our ICC Men's T20 World Cup predictions.

Regarding Bangladesh's performance in the T20I. They have played over 200  T20Is, and during this period, they won 83 matches and lost 116. Their win ratio is around 40%. 

There have been strengths and weaknesses during those runs, such as winning 15 of their 30 T20I matches in the 2025 edition, to recording the most defeats in this format—100 losses.

Mustafizur Rahman signs for former employers

mustafizur rahman tossing the ballMustafizur Rahman, who was removed from Kolkata Knight Riders before the 2026 season per BCCI instructions due to political tensions, has found a new home in Lahore Qalandars—one of the biggest T20 leagues in the world. 

The Pakistan club and defending champions signed the left-arm fast bowler for approximately $230,000 (PKR 6.44 crore). He is set to compete in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). This makes him the club's direct second signing.

Rahman is no stranger to playing for the Lahore Qalandars, having been part of the franchise in 2016 and 2018. His participation marks the third stint. He had success in the latter season, where he finished with four wickets and conceded just 6.43 runs per over. 

For Mustafizur Rahman, this is more than just signing for the Lahore Qalandars. However, it is an opportunity for him to keep playing at a high level, which in the long run should be important for his national career.