Once a Qalandar, always a Qalandar: Lahore Qalandars sign Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman directly for PSL Season 11 after IPL exit
Welcoming Bangladesh international back to the franchise, Lahore Qalandars owner Sameen Rana described the signing as a homecoming
PTC Web Desk: Lahore Qalandars on Thursday confirmed the direct signing of Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman for the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 11, shortly after his release from the Indian Premier League (IPL) side Kolkata Knight Riders.
Rahman’s exit from the KKR squad came following instructions from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), a move that soon escalated into a wider and contentious sequence of developments across international cricket.
While the BCCI did not officially detail the grounds for the Bangladesh pacer’s removal, it cited “prevailing developments” as the reason. The decision was widely seen against the backdrop of strained diplomatic relations between India and Bangladesh, triggered by reports of violence against minority communities in the neighbouring country.
The situation further intensified when Bangladesh announced its withdrawal from the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, citing security concerns, despite the ICC maintaining a low threat assessment for the tournament scheduled to be hosted jointly by India and Sri Lanka. In a show of solidarity with Bangladesh, the Pakistan government later declared that its national team would not play the high-profile match against India.
Amid the unfolding controversy, Lahore Qalandars moved swiftly to secure Rahman’s services ahead of PSL 11. The left-arm pacer, who earlier represented the franchise in 2016 and 2018, will return to the Qalandars after an agreement reportedly valued at PKR 6.44 crore (approximately Rs 2 crore).
Welcoming the Bangladesh international back to the franchise, Lahore Qalandars owner Sameen Rana described the signing as a homecoming.
“Once a Qalandar, always a Qalandar. Mustafizur is more than just a cricketer for us—he is family,” Rana said. “His return strengthens not only our bowling attack but also the spirit of the team.”
The Qalandars have already retained key players ahead of the season, including captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, top-order batter Abdullah Shafique, experienced all-rounder Sikandar Raza, and emerging talent Mohammad Naeem.
With Mustafizur Rahman back in their ranks, Lahore Qalandars have bolstered their core squad as preparations intensify for the PSL 11 auction and the campaign ahead.