Mustafizur Rahman in action [Source: AFP]In a significant development, Mustafizur Rahman has been signed by Lahore Qalandars for the PSL 2026. Recently, the renowned fast bowler from Bangladesh was snubbed from the IPL despite getting a lucrative deal worth INR 9.20 crores. However, he will be in action during the IPL window, as Lahore Qalandars have secured his services for the PSL 2026, which will be played in the same time frame. Mustafizur Rahman was one of the most expensive picks in the IPL 2026 auction, as KKR signed him for a whopping amount. However, amid worsening political ties between the two countries and religious extremism in Bangladesh, the BCCI terminated the fast bowler's IPL contract for the 2026 season. Mustafizur to play for Lahore Qalandars in PSL after IPL ousterMustafizur's IPL exit opened the doors for the PSL franchises to sign him as one of the impactful overseas players. Lahore Qalandars grabbed the opportunity with both hands, roping in the Bangladesh pacer as a direct signing. Lahore Qalandars took to their official X handle, confirming Mustafizur's PSL entry with a post that read, "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". Notably, this is the third time Mustafizur will represent Lahore Qalandars in the PSL. He has previously played for the franchise in the 2016 and 2018 seasons of the competition. Interestingly, the Bangladesh fast bowler has played the IPL more regularly than the PSL. While he has bagged 65 IPL wickets in 60 matches, Mustafizur has played only five games in the Pakistani league, scalping four wickets. However, his economy rate reads an impressive 6.43, showcasing his ability to bowl with accuracy and keep things tight. A second chance for Mustafizur RahmanThe IPL snub must've shattered Mustafizur Rahman's confidence, as it prevented him from plying his trade in the marquee T20 league. The Bangladesh speedster is one of the selected players from his country to succeed in the IPL, representing multiple teams in the tournament. Besides SRH, Rajasthan Royals and Delhi Capitals, Mustafizur Rahman has played for the five-time champions Mumbai Indians and CSK in the IPL. In a time when the player needed support, the Qalandars provided him with an immense morale boost through the direct signing worth PKR 6.44 Crores. How is Lahore Qalandars team shaping up for PSL 2026?Lahore Qalandars have retained experienced Pakistani pacer Shaheen Afridi for the PSL 2026 season. Abdullah Shafique, Sikandar Raza and Mohammad Naeem are their other retentions in the diamond, gold and silver categories. The Shaheen Afridi-led side, which has won the PSL thrice- in 2022, 2023 and 2025- also released veteran pacer Haris Rauf to the auction pool in a bold move. According to the latest update, the PSL 2026 season is likely to be scheduled in the March-April window and will therefore clash with the IPL 2026.
