Mustafizur rejoins Lahore Qalandars for PKR 6.44 crore

Bangladesh's left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman will play again for his former team, Lahore Qalandars, in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). The franchise has signed him through a direct contract.

Lahore Qalandars announced on social media on Thursday afternoon that Mustafizur has been contracted for PKR 6.44 crore. Three days after being released from IPL team Kolkata Knight Riders, his participation in the PSL was confirmed on January 6, but it was not disclosed which team he would play for. Finally, Qalandars have pulled him into their team before the auction.

A post on Lahore Qalandars' Facebook page stated, "Our Bangladeshi brother Mustafizur Rahman, who was picked in 2016 and 2018, is now directly contracted with us and has finally returned to the family. Once a Qalander, always a Qalander." The post also mentioned his remuneration amount.

Although picked by the team on two previous occasions, Mustafizur has played in the PSL only once. In the 2018 edition, playing for Lahore Qalandars, he took 4 wickets in 5 matches, with an economy rate of 6.43. Currently, Qalandars are the defending PSL champions, having won the title a record three times. Last season, Bangladesh leg-spinner Rishad Hossain, playing for this team, took 13 wickets in 7 matches.

Earlier in the IPL, Kolkata Knight Riders had signed Mustafizur for INR 9.2 crore. However, following protests by various Indian political leaders and religious groups over allegations of minority persecution in Bangladesh, the Indian board directed the franchise to release him. Kolkata announced his release on January 3.

The eleventh edition of the PSL will begin on March 23, three days before the IPL starts. This time, the tournament will feature eight teams instead of six. Instead of the previous draft system, an auction method has been introduced this year, which will be held next Wednesday.