Mustafizur Rahman (Source:X)Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman has officially signed with Lahore Qalandars for the 11th season of the Pakistan Super League. The left-arm pacer has been brought in as a direct signing ahead of the PSL 2026 season.Lahore Qalandars confirmed that the deal was finalised at PKR 6.44 crore, which is approximately INR 2.08 crore.This move marks Mustafizur Rahman's return to the franchise after a long gap, as he previously represented Lahore Qalandars in the 2017/18 season. His signing has drawn significant attention, especially because it comes shortly after his high-profile exit from the IPL 2026.Mustafizur Rahman's IPL salary vs PSL salaryOne of the most talked-about aspects of Mustafizur's PSL signing is the sharp contrast between his earnings in the PSL and the IPL.In the IPL 2026 auction, Mustafizur was bought by Kolkata Knight Riders for a massive INR 9.20 crore, making him the highest-paid Bangladeshi player in IPL history.However, his time with KKR ended abruptly in January, when the franchise released him at the BCCI's instructions.In comparison, his PSL 2026 salary of INR 2.08 crore is less than one-fourth of his IPL deal. Taking a look at the difference, Mustafizur's PSL salary is 7.12 crore less than IPL.Mustafizur Rahman's PSL Price vs IPL Price: A big financial gapLeagueSelectAdd Row AboveAdd Row BelowAdd Column RightAdd Column LeftDelete RowDelete ColumnDelete TableSelectAdd Row AboveAdd Row BelowAdd Column RightAdd Column LeftDelete RowDelete ColumnDelete TablePriceSelectAdd Row AboveAdd Row BelowAdd Column RightAdd Column LeftDelete RowDelete ColumnDelete TableSelectAdd Row AboveAdd Row BelowAdd Column RightAdd Column LeftDelete RowDelete ColumnDelete TableIPLSelectAdd Row AboveAdd Row BelowAdd Column RightAdd Column LeftDelete RowDelete ColumnDelete TableSelectAdd Row AboveAdd Row BelowAdd Column RightAdd Column LeftDelete RowDelete ColumnDelete TableINR 9.20 croreSelectAdd Row AboveAdd Row BelowAdd Column RightAdd Column LeftDelete RowDelete ColumnDelete TableSelectAdd Row AboveAdd Row BelowAdd Column RightAdd Column LeftDelete RowDelete ColumnDelete TablePSLSelectAdd Row AboveAdd Row BelowAdd Column RightAdd Column LeftDelete RowDelete ColumnDelete TableSelectAdd Row AboveAdd Row BelowAdd Column RightAdd Column LeftDelete RowDelete ColumnDelete TablePKR 6.44 croreSelectAdd Row AboveAdd Row BelowAdd Column RightAdd Column LeftDelete RowDelete ColumnDelete TableWhy Mustafizur Rahman left IPL and chose PSLMustafizur Rahman’s IPL exit was surrounded by controversy. The KKR released him due to political tensions involving Bangladesh, following directives from the BCCI. The decision triggered strong reactions in Bangladesh, both from cricket authorities and the government.The situation escalated further when the BCB decided not to send its team to India for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. Eventually, Bangladesh were replaced by Scotland in the tournament. Adding to the tension, the Bangladeshi government announced a ban on IPL broadcasts within the country.Amid this uncertainty, the PSL offered Mustafizur a stable platform. Lahore Qalandars moved quickly to secure his services through a direct signing. This will allow him to continue playing top-level franchise cricket during the March–April window, even as the PSL is expected to clash with the IPL.What Mustafizur brings to Lahore QalandarsLahore Qalandars owner Sameen Rana welcomed Mustafizur warmly, calling him more than just a player."Our Bangladeshi brother, @Mustafiz90, picked in 2016 and 2018, is now our direct signing and finally back with the family. Once a Qalandar, always a Qalandar". The ace pacers experience is expected to strengthen an solid Lahore Qalandars squad. The franchise has retained players such as Shaheen Afridi, Abdullah Shafique, Sikandar Raza, and Mohammad Naeem.It is important to mention that Mustafizur has played only five PSL matches, taking four wickets; his economy rate of 6.43 shows his ability to bowl tight spells.On the other hand, looking at his IPL career, the ace pacer has played for five different teams over the years. In total, the Bangladeshi pacer has played 60 matches and bagged 65 wickets at an economy rate of 8.13.His signature slower cutters, death-over control, and international experience will be crucial as Lahore Qalandars aim to defend their PSL 11 title.
