Mustafizur Rahman Joins PSL After Release from IPL 2026
Mustafizur Rahman, the Bangladeshi left-arm pacer nicknamed “The Fizz,” has joined the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026 draft after his abrupt release from Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) ahead of IPL 2026. This move stems from BCCI directives amid strained India-Bangladesh relations. The PSL announced his participation on social media, highlighting his potential impact on batters. Mustafizur Rahman joins PSL 10 amid the media storm between ICC, BCCI and BCB.
IPL 2026 Exit Details - Why Mustafizur Rahman was Released from IPL 2026
KKR acquired Mustafizur for a record Rs 9.20 crore in the December 2025 IPL mini-auction, outbidding teams like Delhi Capitals and Chennai Super Kings.
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia instructed the release due to “recent developments” linked to political tensions including anti-India sentiments and attacks on minorities in Bangladesh following Sheikh Hasina’s ouster. The decision occurred at BCCI’s highest level without broader consultation, leading Bangladesh to ban IPL telecasts and request T20 World Cup match shifts.
IPL Salary Breakdown
KKR secured Mustafizur for Rs 9.20 crore ($1.1 million) in the December 2025 IPL mini-auction, a record for overseas pacers that year. Release came pre-season without compensation, as contracts allow owner discretion despite prior payment obligations. BCCI cited “highest-level” decisions tied to bilateral cricket halt.
PSL 2026 Entry
PSL confirmed Mustafizur’s addition to the HBL PSL 11 draft pool via a post stating, “Batters better shake carefully… its going to Fizz.” No specific team has been assigned yet, as the draft awaits; he previously featured in Lahore Qalandars’ 2016 selection but missed due to injury and board concerns. This marks his return after nearly a decade, joining players like David Warner who shifted from IPL to PSL.
PSL Salary Expectations
Mustafizur qualifies for PSL Platinum tier, with salaries fixed at PKR 2 crore (~Rs 2.57 crore) base, up to PKR 2.1 crore (~Rs 2.70 crore) for top picks. Draft occurs soon; prior PSL stints saw lower fees, but his IPL pedigree boosts value. Pakistani fans hail it as a “masterstroke” post-IPL discard.
Player Background and Stats
Mustafizur rose to fame in 2015 with slower cutters in Bangladesh Premier League, debuting internationally by dismissing Shahid Afridi and Mohammad Hafeez. In IPL, he took 57 wickets in 53 matches at an average of 29.00 and strike rate of 21.21, earning Emerging Player award with Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2016. Overall T20 stats include 127 wickets in 103 innings at 22.17 average; he holds Bangladesh’s record for most death-over T20I wickets.
