Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman has taken a surprising turn in his T20 franchise career by signing up for the 11th edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), shortly after his unexpected release from the Indian Premier League (IPL) squad of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)—a franchise co-owned by Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan.
The PSL’s official social media accounts confirmed Mustafizur’s registration for HBL PSL 11, welcoming the left-arm pacer with the playful caption, “Batters better shake carefully… It’s going to Fizz in the #NewEra.”
His inclusion seen as a significant boost for the league ahead of its March 2026 start, particularly as several Bangladeshi players have shown interest in participating.
Abrupt IPL Exit and Political Backdrop
Earlier in December 2025, Mustafizur created headlines when he purchased by KKR for a hefty ₹9.20 crore at the IPL mini-auction—making him the sole Bangladeshi player selected for the upcoming season.
However, just weeks later, he was released from the squad at the directive of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) amid escalating political tensions between India and Bangladesh.
The BCCI cited “recent developments” in bilateral relations as the reason for its intervention, without specifying further details.
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This decision provoked strong reactions in Bangladesh, including the government’s choice to ban IPL broadcasts and the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) request to relocate their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 matches from India to Sri Lanka due to security concerns. (myKhel)
Significance of the PSL Move
For Mustafizur Rahman—who has played 60 IPL matches over seven seasons and represented teams such as Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals, Delhi Capitals, and Chennai Super Kings in the past—the move to the PSL offers a fresh opportunity to showcase his skills on a different high-profile T20 stage.
His experience in franchise cricket, especially in power-play and death overs, makes him a valuable addition to the PSL’s player pool.
It also reflects the growing trend of top cricketers seeking competitive alternatives outside the IPL framework when faced with geopolitical challenges.
Broad Cricketing Impact
Mustafizur’s transition to the PSL underscores how international politics can intersect with sport, influencing where players compete and how leagues build their squads.
His presence in Pakistan’s premier T20 competition could attract more attention from fans across South Asia, particularly in Bangladesh, where his exclusion from the IPL sparked public outcry.
As PSL 11 approaches, cricket followers will be watching closely to see how Mustafizur performs and whether his move will encourage other international stars to consider Pakistan’s franchise league as a viable and competitive destination.