Lahore: Lahore Qalandars have confirmed Bangladesh left-armer Mustafizur Rahman as their direct signing for PSL 2026, paying roughly PKR 6.44 crore (about USD 230,000) for the privilege. It will be his third spell with the franchise.
The 30-year-old first joined Qalandars in 2016 but withdrew with a shoulder injury. Two years later he played five matches, taking four wickets at a miserly economy of 6.43. Even so, he has long felt part of the set-up.
“Once a Qalandar, always a Qalandar. Mustafizur is not just a player; he’s a brother, a key part of our family who never left,” Sameen Rana, the Qalandars owner, said. “We are thrilled to welcome him back to our dressing room. His talent, experience, and dedication will be invaluable as we aim to defend our title and make a statement in PSL 11.”
The champions had already retained Shaheen Shah Afridi, Abdullah Shafique, Sikandar Raza and youngster Mohammad Naeem. With Mustafizur on board, they look well stocked in the seam department, particularly at the death where the Bangladeshi’s cutters remain awkward to line up.
Context and rules
• Each PSL side may make one “direct” signing before the auction; Qalandars moved early, while Sialkot Stallionz snapped up Steven Smith last week.
• The main auction is set for 11 February. Squads must contain 16-20 players, including five to seven overseas names and at least one uncapped local under 23.
• All 2026 recruits, whether retained or auctioned, receive two-year deals.
Why Qalandars wanted him
Mustafizur was briefly on Kolkata Knight Riders’ books after the IPL 2026 auction, only to be released following a BCCI directive limiting overseas fast-bowling options. The timing suited Lahore, who have prized variety behind Shaheen’s express pace. A left-arm option who can both swing the new ball and stifle the slog overs fits that brief neatly.
Risk and reward
Form and fitness have fluctuated since his breakout in 2015, yet the numbers remain persuasive: an overall T20 economy just under seven, plus experience in every major league. If his shoulder holds up, Qalandars have landed a bargain; if not, the two-year contract offers insurance for both sides.
Either way, Lahore’s message is clear: continuity where it matters, a flash of overseas quality where it can tilt tight matches, and—above all—full faith in a bowler they regard as family.
