Sunday, 5th April 2026
Khabor Wala Desk
Published: 6th January 2026, 4:20 PM
Bangladeshi pace sensation Mustafizur Rahman will not feature in this season’s Indian Premier League (IPL) following threats from extremist groups in India. However, the world of cricket is not one to wait idly, and Mustafizur’s talents have not gone unnoticed. The Pakistan Super League (PSL) has promptly snapped up the left-arm fast bowler, confirming his participation in the upcoming tournament through their official social media channels.
The PSL’s post, featuring Mustafizur’s photograph, read:
“Batsmen beware… Mustafizur Rahman joins HBL PSL 11.”
The eleventh edition of Pakistan’s T20 franchise tournament is scheduled to begin on 26 March 2026, concluding on 3 May 2026. Mustafizur has prior PSL experience, having played in 2018 for Lahore Qalandars, taking 4 wickets in 5 matches. Seven years on, he is set to make a return to the league, adding depth and quality to whichever squad secures him in the forthcoming players’ draft.
Although his PSL team is yet to be officially confirmed, it is widely anticipated that a franchise will select him once the draft takes place. This edition of the PSL will feature eight teams for the first time, making it the largest and most competitive edition in the tournament’s history.
The decision to sideline Mustafizur from the IPL came last Saturday when the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) instructed Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to remove him from their squad. Interestingly, in this season’s IPL auction, KKR outbid Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals to acquire Mustafizur for ₹9.2 crore, making him the most expensive Bangladeshi player in IPL history. Despite this record price, he will not feature in the tournament, leaving the PSL as the primary beneficiary of his services.
The table below summarises Mustafizur Rahman’s recent franchise cricket engagements and PSL history:
| Year | League | Team | Matches Played | Wickets Taken | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | PSL | Lahore Qalandars | 5 | 4 | First PSL stint |
| 2026 | PSL | TBD | – | – | Returning after 7 years; draft pending |
| 2026 | IPL | KKR | – | – | Bought for ₹9.2 crore; ruled out of season |
Mustafizur’s inclusion not only strengthens the quality of bowling attacks in the PSL but also enhances the league’s global profile, demonstrating that world-class talent will always find a stage, even when excluded from rival competitions. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as this left-arm speedster prepares to make a significant impact on Pakistan’s premier T20 tournament.
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