Bangladesh’s star pacer Mustafizur Rahman has secured a spot in England’s popular franchise tournament, The Hundred 2026, after being picked by Birmingham Phoenix for the 2026 season. The left-arm fast bowler was acquired at the base price of £100,000, which converts to approximately ৳1.64 crore in Bangladeshi currency.
The auction, held in London, saw Mustafizur selected at his base price, marking his debut in the 100-ball format tournament. At 30 years of age, he will bring his pace and experience to the Birmingham Phoenix squad for the first time, adding a new dimension to their bowling attack.
Bangladeshi Players in The Hundred Auction
This year, two Bangladeshi cricketers were featured in the final auction list: Mustafizur Rahman and spinner Rishad Hossain. While Mustafizur was successfully picked, Rishad, who remained in the spinner category, did not find a franchise for the upcoming season.
The auction took place at Piccadilly Lights, Central London, and featured participation from eight franchises across England, each bidding for domestic and international talent to strengthen their squads for the fifth edition of the tournament.
Birmingham Phoenix Squad
Mustafizur will join an international mix in the Birmingham Phoenix bowling and batting lineup. Key teammates include England’s Jacob Bethell and Chris Wood, Pakistan’s Usman Tariq, and South Africa’s Donovan Ferreira. The squad combines experience and youth, aiming for a strong campaign in the 100-ball format.
Financial Details
| Player | Franchise | Auction Price (£) | Approx. BDT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mustafizur Rahman | Birmingham Phoenix | 100,000 | 1.64 crore |
| Rishad Hossain | N/A | N/A | N/A |
The Hundred’s fifth edition is scheduled to begin on 21 July 2026, with matches across multiple English venues. Mustafizur’s inclusion marks a significant milestone for Bangladeshi cricket, as he becomes one of the few national players to participate in this innovative format.
Franchise representatives expressed excitement over signing Mustafizur, praising his ability to bowl in the death overs and deliver crucial breakthroughs. With the tournament’s unique 100-ball structure, teams are emphasising versatile bowlers, and Mustafizur’s pace and experience are expected to be a key asset for Birmingham Phoenix.
For Bangladesh cricket fans, Mustafizur’s participation represents another opportunity to showcase national talent on the global stage, further strengthening the country’s growing presence in franchise T20 and 100-ball tournaments.
