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 lines 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 Bangladesh quick had invested his time in the world's richest league, playing for five different franchises.

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

Mustafizur's PSL deal came days after he was released by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), following orders from BCCI amid the political storm between India and Bangladesh. After being bought by KKR for ₹9.20 crore during the mini-auction, severe criticism were aimed at KKR co-owner Shah Rukh Khan over the inclusion of the 30-year-old in the squad for IPL 2026.

The backlash were mainly from the political parties and several religious organisations with some even calling Shah Rukh a "traitor".

“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.