Mustafizur Rahman Returns to Lahore Qalandars on Direct Deal Worth PKR 64.4 Million
Dhaka, Feb 7, 2026: Bangladesh left-arm fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman is set to return to the Pakistan Super League (PSL) after being signed directly by defending champions Lahore Qalandars for the league’s 11th edition.
The franchise confirmed that the pacer has been acquired for PKR 64.4 million, marking his comeback to the tournament after several years.
Lahore Qalandars Confirm Signing
Lahore Qalandars announced the signing on Thursday through their official social media platforms, welcoming Mustafizur back to the squad where he previously featured in 2016 and 2018.
The franchise described the Bangladeshi pacer as part of their extended family, highlighting his earlier association with the team.
Under the new PSL regulations, each franchise is allowed one direct signing of an overseas player who did not participate in the previous season. Lahore used this provision to secure Mustafizur ahead of the auction.
PSL Return After IPL Exit
Mustafizur had registered for the PSL in early January, shortly after being released by Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Kolkata Knight Riders.
He had been picked by KKR for INR 9.20 crore during the IPL mini-auction held in December but was later released following directives from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
The decision came amid diplomatic and sporting complications affecting Bangladesh-India cricketing engagements, which ultimately impacted Mustafizur’s IPL participation.
Previous PSL Record and Experience
Although Mustafizur signed with Lahore Qalandars twice in the past, he played only one full PSL season. In the 2018 edition, he appeared in five matches, claiming four wickets while maintaining an economy rate of 6.43.
Known internationally for his cutters, slower deliveries, and effectiveness in death overs, the 30-year-old brings valuable experience to the Lahore bowling attack.
Lahore Qalandars’ Recent Success
Lahore Qalandars are among the most successful franchises in PSL history, having won the title three times and entering the upcoming season as defending champions.
In the previous edition, another Bangladeshi cricketer, leg-spinner Rishad Hossain, played a key role for the team by taking 13 wickets in seven matches.
Major Changes in PSL 11
PSL 11 will introduce significant structural changes. For the first time, the league will move away from its traditional draft system and adopt a full auction model.
The player purse has been increased to $1.6 million per franchise, allowing teams greater flexibility in squad building.
The upcoming season will also expand from six to eight teams, with Faisalabad returning as a host city alongside Karachi, Lahore, Multan, and Rawalpindi.
Tournament Schedule
The 11th edition of the Pakistan Super League is scheduled to begin in late March, with the official auction set to take place next Wednesday.
