Pakistan Super League: Lahore Qalandars secure Mustafizur in direct signing
Mustafizur was earlier bought by the Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League (IPL) but was later released due to security concerns for him in India, a move that sparked a geopolitical storm in the cricketing world.
Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman has been roped in by Lahore Qalandars for the next season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
Mustafizur was earlier bought by the Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League (IPL) but was later released due to security concerns for him in India, a move that sparked a geopolitical storm in the cricketing world.
The franchise announced today (5 February) that it had secured the left-arm pacer via a direct signing ahead of the league's auction.
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Mustafizur's release from KKR triggered a domino effect that has since strained regional cricketing ties. The deal is valued at PKR6.44 crore (approximately Tk2.81 crore).
Following his exclusion, the Bangladesh government refused to send the national team to India for the T20 World Cup, citing safety concerns.
After the ICC rejected a request to change the venue and replaced Bangladesh with Scotland, the Pakistan government announced a boycott of its World Cup match against India in solidarity with Dhaka.
Welcoming Mustafizur back, Lahore Qalandars described the signing as a "return to the family," referring to his previous stint with the team during the 2017-18 season.
The 11th edition of the PSL, expanded to eight teams this year, is scheduled to run from 26 March to 3 May. While the player draft is set for 11 February, the Qalandars utilised the direct signing rule to secure Mustafizur's services early.
