Mustafizur Rahman makes Pakistan Super League comeback after eight years following Bangladesh pacer's IPL removal

After being removed from the Indian Premier League (IPL), Mustafizur Rahman has signed on the dotted line to be available in the upcoming edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) after a gap of eight long years. Unlike other Bangladesh players, Mustafizur has played a handful of PSL matches so far, with his last coming in 2018.

Having made his PSL debut in 2018, Mustafizur played only five matches for Lahore Qalandars, taking four wickets in the process. Thereafter, the Bangladeshi quick had invested his time in IPL, the world's richest league, playing for five different franchises.

In a social media post on Tuesday, 6 January, PSL's official X handle welcomed Mustafizur with a caption reading “Batters better shake carefully… it's going to Fizz in the #NewEra. Mustafizur Rahman joins HBL PSL 11!” It also included a picture of the pacer with the words “Mustafizur Rahman, welcome to the #NewEra of HBL PSL.”

Mustafizur's PSL deal came days after the BCCI asked Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release him from the squad for the 2026 IPL, amid a political storm between India and Bangladesh. After being bought by KKR for ₹9.20 crore during the mini-auction, some groups levelled severe criticism at KKR co-owner Shah Rukh Khan over the inclusion of the 30-year-old in the IPL 2026 squad.

The backlash was mainly from some political parties and religious organisations, with some even calling Shah Rukh a "traitor". The PSL is likely to start at the end of March. It must be noted that Mustafizur is yet to get a team in PSL. His PSL 2026 team will be decided via a players' draft.

No IPL broadcast in Bangladesh

In the aftermath of the Mustafizur row, the interim government in Bangladesh has banned the broadcast of IPL in the country. "No logical reason for such a decision (Rahman's release) by the BCCI is known, and such a decision has saddened, hurt, and aggrieved the people of Bangladesh," the government said in a statement.

“In this situation, until further notice, it is requested by order to stop the broadcasting/telecasting of all matches and programs of the Indian Premier League (IPL),” it further added.

So far, only five players from Bangladesh have appeared in the IPL in its 18-year history, with Mustafizur and Shakib Al Hasan being the only ones to have a long career.

ICC yet to decide on BCB's request

Angered by Mustafizur's IPL removal, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has refused to send its team to India for the next month's T20 World Cup. In a letter to the International Cricket Council (ICC), the BCB cited players' security concerns in India and requested that the apex body shift their matches to a neutral venue, specifically Sri Lanka.

Along with India, Sri Lanka is one of the co-hosts of the T20 World Cup 2026. However, a decision has yet to be made, as the ICC is likely to hold a meeting with the BCB before making a decision.