Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman has joined Lahore Qalandars in the 11th season of Pakistan Super League, just days after he was released by Kolkata Knight Riders ahead of the upcoming Indian Premier League.
The Qalandars confirmed the signing through a direct deal, bringing Mustafizur back into the PSL fold following his sudden exit from the IPL set-up.
IPL vs PSL contract: A stark financial contrast
Mustafizur’s PSL contract was agreed at PKR 6.44 million, which is approximately Rs 2 billion in Indian currency. In comparison, the Bangladeshi pacer should have been earning Rs 9.2 crore based on his IPL contract with KKR before his release, highlighting the stark financial contrast between the two businesses.
In percentage terms, the PSL deal is worth about 77 percent less than his IPL salary. However, the reduction reflects the different financial ecosystems of the two leagues, rather than any renegotiation or pay cut imposed on the Lahore Qalandars. The PSL operates on significantly lower salaries than the IPL, where franchise revenues and broadcast awards enable much higher player contracts.
End IPL and wider development
Mustafizur’s removal from KKR’s roster followed the guidelines of the Board of Control for Cricket in India, although the board did not publicly outline the reasons for the decision. Instead, he referred to “all developments”, a remark that came amid deteriorating diplomatic relations between India and Bangladesh.
The situation escalated outside the cricket franchise when Bangladesh have announced their withdrawal from the upcoming ICC T20 World Cupciting security concerns, despite the International Cricket Council maintaining a low threat perception for the tournament to be played in India and Sri Lanka.
Pakistan later announced a selective withdrawalwhich chose not to play its marquee match against India in support of Bangladesh’s stance. The sequence of events placed Mustafizur at the center of a wider geopolitical and cricketing fallout, even as the player himself remained publicly silent.
Lahore add experience bowling attack
For Lahore Qalandars, he brings the signing of a proven T20 operator with extensive league experience. Mustafizur is known for his cutters, changes of pace and control at the death, qualities that make him effective in a variety of conditions.
“Once a Qalandar, always a Qalandar. Mustafizur is not just a player, he is a brother and a key part of our family,” said Sameen Rana, owner of Lahore Qalandars.
Mustafizur previously represented the franchise during the 2016 and 2018 seasons, allowing him to familiarize himself with the league as he looks to put recent off-field turbulence behind him.
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Issued by:
Amar Panicker
Published on:
February 5, 2026
