 "Mustafizur Rahman has joined PSL after BCCI forced KKR to release him from IPL 2026 squad. Image: Reuters")
Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman has found a new team after being left out of the Indian Premier League (IPL), with the Pakistan Super League (PSL) confirming his signing ahead of the upcoming season.
Mustafizur was earlier excluded from IPL 2026 after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) instructed Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release him, despite the Bangladesh pacer being bought at the auction for Rs 9.2 crore.
He was the only Bangladesh player to be sold at the auction. No official reason was given by the BCCI for the move, but it triggered strong reactions in Bangladesh, with the BCB cancelling Mustafizur’s NOC and their government banning the broadcast of IPL 2026.
The situation further escalated as the Bangladesh Cricket Board raised security concerns about travelling to India for the upcoming men’s T20 World Cup 2026. The board wrote to the ICC requesting that Bangladesh’s World Cup matches be moved out of India. Reports later claimed that the I CC told the BCB that Bangladesh must play in India or risk forfeiting points , a claim the BCB has denied.
Mustafizur enters PSL 11 after IPL exit
Amid all the uncertainty, Mustafizur has now secured a deal with the PSL. The league confirmed his signing through a post on its official social media handles, welcoming the left-arm pacer to the tournament.
“Batters better shake carefully… its going to Fizz in the #NewEra Mustafizur Rahman joins PSL 11!” the Pakistan Super League posted on social media.
It is believed that the BCCI’s decision to release Mustafizur from IPL 2026 stemmed from the recent attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh and the subsequent pressure from the Indian public on social media.
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View AllHowever, Bangladesh’s information and broadcasting ministry said it was saddened and hurt by the BCCI’s decision to release Mustafizur without providing any valid reason, and as a result, banned the broadcast of IPL 2026.
“No logical reason for such a decision (Rahman’s release) by the BCCI is known, and such a decision has saddened, hurt, and aggrieved the people of Bangladesh. 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),” the government notification said.