Shaheen Afridi Puts Mustafizur Rahman's PSL Participation In Doubt After IPL Snub

Shaheen Afridi and Mustafizur Rahman [Source: AFP]

The defending PSL champions, Lahore Qalandars, faced a massive concern days before the 2026 season, with their premier fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman sustaining an injury. 

Mustafizur, who was snubbed from the IPL over degrading political ties between India and Bangladesh, bagged a lucrative contract in the inaugural PSL auction. 

Lahore Qalandars announced Mustafizur Rahman's signing, confirming the Bangladesh fast bowler will represent them in the PSL 2026 after the IPL snub. 

However, his participation in the tournament took a hit when Mustafizur was injured by a powerful shot from Shaheen Afridi, who, coincidentally,  is the captain of the Qalandars. 

Mustafizur Rahman sustains nasty injury in Pakistan Vs Bangladesh 3rd ODI

The decider of the three-match ODI series between Pakistan and Bangladesh witnessed a riveting contest between the South Asian rivals. 

Despite Salman Ali Agha's valiant century and valuable cameos from Ghazi Ghouri, Abdul Samad, Saad Masood and Shaheen Afridi, Pakistan failed to chase 291 runs, bundling out for 279 to concede the series to their Bangladeshi counterparts. 

Mustafizur Rahman played a significant role in his side's historic victory, scalping three wickets for 54 runs in his ten-over spell. However, as he was about to finish his final spell, a powerful hit from Shaheen Afridi injured him in the penultimate over of the match. 

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It was a low full-toss from Mustafizur, as Shaheen hammered it straight back to him in pursuit of a boundary. However, the bowler was able to stop it in his follow-through, although he failed to complete the catch. 

But unfortunately for Mustafizur, he picked up an injury in the process, with the ball hitting him straight on his left knee. The Bangladesh pacer immediately fell on the ground, prompting the team physio to stretcher him off. 

Although he returned to the ground after a brief treatment and completed his final over, Mustafizur was seen hobbling on the field. 

Mustafizur Rahman's knee injury: A big blow for Lahore Qalandars

Mustafizur Rahman was signed by the Lahore Qalandars at a price of PKR 6.44 Crore in the inaugural PSL auction. He has previously played for the franchise and is expected to deliver the goods for the defending champions in the PSL 2026. 

For the unversed, the PSL 2026 season kicks off on March 26, with the Qalandars taking on the newly formed team- Hyderabad Kingsmen- in the season opener. 

So, considering the PSL 2026 starts in barely ten days, Mustafizur Rahman's knee injury has certainly emerged as a massive concern for the Lahore Qalandars. 

It's worth mentioning that Mustafizur was roped in by KKR for INR 9.20 crore in the mini auction last year. 

After the BCCI terminated his IPL 2026 contract, the Bangladesh pacer joined Lahore Qalandars and the Birmingham Phoenix for the PSL and men's Hundred, respectively. 

He is an experienced campaigner and his ability to perform across different phases makes Mustafizur a genuine match-winner with the ball in T20 cricket. 

While The Hundred 2026 is roughly four months away, the Qalandars would be hoping for his speedy recovery for the upcoming season. 

Lahore Qalandars' PSL 2026 schedule

Led by Shaheen Afridi, the Qalandars will face Karachi Kings (March 27, April 23), Multan Sultans (April 3), Islamabad United (April 9), Peshawar Zalmi (April 11), Quetta Gladiators (April 17, April 21), Rawalpindi (April 18), apart from taking on the Hyderabad Kingsmen in their opening and final group-stage matches, respectively. 

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