Mustafizur Rahman Now Becomes The Biggest Problem Between Pakistan And Bangladesh

Mustafizur Rahman and Mohsin Naqvi (Source: AFP)

Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman has found himself in the spotlight again, this time with Bangladesh and Pakistan. The left-arm seamer has been making headlines for months, starting with his high-profile signing by Kolkata Knight Riders during the IPL auction for ₹9.20 crore. 

However, in a surprising turn, he was later removed from the league following a directive from the BCCI in India regarding recent developments amid political tensions.

Following his IPL exit, the Bangladesh Cricket Board escalated the matter to the ICC, requesting that their ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 matches be relocated to Sri Lanka. The request was rejected, and Bangladesh was replaced by Scotland in the tournament lineup.

Meanwhile, Mustafizur Rahman has shifted focus to the Pakistan Super League, where he is currently playing. In three matches, he has taken 4 wickets at an economy rate of 6.91. 

However, his involvement in the PSL 2026 has created scheduling conflicts with Bangladesh's international commitments. 

New Zealand's tour of Bangladesh 2026

Bangladesh is set to host the New Zealand for a white-ball series beginning April 17, 2026. The tour includes three ODIs and three T20Is, with matches scheduled in Dhaka and Chattogram. 

New Zealand will arrive on April 13 with a relatively inexperienced squad due to player absences caused by commitments to the franchise league.

Led by Tom Latham, the visiting side has opted to test young talent in subcontinental conditions. Bangladesh, on the other hand, is expected to adopt a more stable approach, especially in ODIs, where consistency is crucial for qualification of the ICC Men's World Cup 2027.

PSL commitments force Bangladesh players to return early

The overlap between the ongoing PSL 2026 and international fixtures has forced Bangladesh to make strategic decisions involving Mustafizur Rahman. 

It is important to note that Mehidy Hasan Miraz will lead a largely unchanged ODI side, while several players currently in Pakistan are expected to return before the series begins.

Along with Mustafizur Rahman, players like Shoriful Islam, Nahid Rana, Rishad Hossain, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, and Parvez Hossain Emon will rejoin the squad by April 12. However, Mustafizur Rahman is expected to play the ODI series and then return to the PSL before the T20Is.

“They will have to return home by 12 April. Mustafizur will return after the ODI series, while the others will have to complete the T20Is before rejoining their PSL teams,” a selector told Daily Sun on Friday.

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Selectors have shown flexibility, especially since Bangladesh has no major T20 tournaments on the horizon. This opens the door for experimenting with new players in the shorter format while maintaining strength in ODIs.

“We don’t have any major T20 tournament coming up. That’s why we are allowing Mustafizur Rahman to leave, and in his absence, we will look at a few new faces,” another selector said.

New Zealand tour of Bangladesh 2026 schedule

It is important to note that New Zealand has already named the ODI and T20I squad for the Bangladesh series. 

NZ ODI squad vs BAN: Tom Latham (c), Muhammad Abbas, Adithya Ashok, Kristian Clarke, Josh Clarkson, Dane Cleaver, Dean Foxcroft, Nick Kelly, Jayden Lennox, Henry Nicholls, Will O’Rourke, Ben Sears, Nathan Smith, Blair Tickner, Will Young

NZ T20I squad vs BAN: Tom Latham (c), Katene Clarke, Kristian Clarke, Josh Clarkson, Dane Cleaver, Matt Fisher, Dean Foxcroft, Bevon Jacobs, Nick Kelly, Jayden Lennox, Tim Robinson, Ben Sears, Nathan Smith, Ish Sodhi, Blair Tickner

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