LAHORE: Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Lahore Qalandars on Thursday confirmed the direct signing of Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman for the upcoming 11th edition. The deal was finalized for Rs60.44 million.
Rahman, who previously played for the Qalandars in 2016 and 2018, will once again represent the team. Lahore Qalandars owner Sameen Rana praised the pacer, saying, “Once a Qalandar, always a Qalandar. Mustafizur is more than a player; he is family.”
The PSL franchise had already retained captain Shaheen Afridi, opener Abdullah Shafique, all-rounder Sikandar Raza, and young talent Mohammad Naeem. The addition of Rahman strengthens the squad ahead of the PSL 2026 auction.
Mustafizur’s signing comes after his release from the Indian Premier League (IPL) side Kolkata Knight Riders, owned by Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan, due to directives from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). His release sparked concerns from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), which requested the ICC to relocate the T20 World Cup 2026 matches to Sri Lanka. The request was denied, and Bangladesh was replaced by Scotland.
The PSL move signals Lahore Qalandars’ intent to field a competitive team with experienced internationals. Rahman’s pace and variations are expected to bolster the team’s bowling attack in the high-profile tournament.
Fans and analysts see Rahman’s return as a major boost for the PSL, as he has previously delivered match-winning performances for the franchise. The team’s management aims to capitalize on his experience to challenge other strong squads in the league.
The PSL 2026 is set to begin from February 7, and Lahore Qalandars hope their well-balanced squad, featuring both international stars and emerging Pakistani talent, will make a strong impact.
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With Mustafizur Rahman back in the fold, the Qalandars are now one of the most formidable sides in the PSL, ready to compete for the coveted trophy.
