Mustafiz Secures Historic Hundred Franchise Spot

Mustafizur Rahman is set to become the first Bangladeshi to feature in England’s domestic franchise tournament, The Hundred, after being picked up by Birmingham Phoenix in the recent player draft. Out of two Bangladeshi players in the final draft list, only Mustafizur secured a team, while Rishad Hossain remained unsold, prompting questions about what made Mustafizur a sought-after asset.

Despite being a newcomer to The Hundred, Mustafizur is far from inexperienced in franchise cricket. He has previously played in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Pakistan Super League (PSL), and other international T20 leagues, making him a proven performer in high-pressure conditions.

Record-Breaking Auction Value

In the latest IPL auction, Mustafizur fetched a staggering ₹9.2 crore from Kolkata Knight Riders. However, following threats from extremist groups, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) granted him a release on 3 January. Soon after, he was signed by PSL side Lahore Qalandars for PKR 6.44 crore, which translates to over BDT 2.81 crore, highlighting his premium value in franchise cricket.

Birmingham’s Strategic Choice

Birmingham Phoenix’s decision to acquire Mustafizur is rooted in familiarity and tactical advantage. The team’s head coach, Shen Bond, has a long-standing relationship with Mustafizur, dating back to 2018, when Mustafizur played under Bond’s coaching at Mumbai Indians. Bond praised Mustafizur as a “game-changing bowler,” citing his unique off-spin variations and clever pace changes as tools that can significantly influence matches.

“Research shows that as the season progresses in England, several pitches begin to offer turn,” Bond stated. “Having Mustafizur in the squad provides us with a crucial advantage.” His slower deliveries are expected to be particularly effective in English conditions, adding depth to the Phoenix bowling attack.

Upcoming Season and Squad Composition

Mustafizur will be joining a diverse Birmingham Phoenix squad featuring English players Jacob Bethell, Rehan Ahmed, Ethan Brooks, Chris Wood, alongside Osman Tariq from Pakistan and Donovan Ferreira from South Africa. The fifth edition of The Hundred is scheduled to commence on 21 July 2026, offering Mustafizur a platform to showcase his skills on English soil.

Mustafizur’s inclusion not only strengthens Birmingham Phoenix’s bowling lineup but also marks a significant milestone for Bangladeshi cricket, demonstrating the rising global stature of its players in franchise leagues worldwide.