In a significant cricketing development, Bangladesh's star left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman is set for a dramatic return to the Pakistan Super League (PSL) after an eight-year hiatus. This move comes directly on the heels of his controversial removal from the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
The PSL Comeback: A New Era for 'The Fizz'
The organisers of the Pakistan Super League officially announced Mustafizur Rahman's inclusion for the upcoming PSL 2026 season, which is scheduled to commence in late March. The league's official social media handle welcomed the bowler with a post stating, "Batters better shake carefully… it's going to Fizz in the #NewEra. Mustafizur Rahman joins HBL PSL 11!"
This marks a major comeback for the cricketer, whose last appearance in the PSL was way back in 2018. During that season, he played only five matches for the Lahore Qalandars, managing to take four wickets. Since then, his focus had shifted entirely to the IPL, where he represented five different franchises over the years.
The IPL Controversy That Sparked the Move
Mustafizur's sudden availability for the PSL is a direct consequence of his abrupt exit from the Indian Premier League. He was released by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) following directives from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). This decision was made amidst a political storm between India and Bangladesh.
The pacer had been bought by KKR for a substantial sum of ₹9.20 crore during the mini-auction. However, his inclusion in the squad for IPL 2026 triggered severe backlash, primarily from certain political and religious groups in India. KKR co-owner Shah Rukh Khan even faced harsh criticism and was labelled a "traitor" by some factions for picking the Bangladeshi player.
Diplomatic Fallout and Broadcast Ban
The repercussions of Mustafizur Rahman's IPL release extended beyond the cricket field, escalating into a diplomatic issue. The interim government of Bangladesh issued a strong statement expressing its dismay. They stated, "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 a retaliatory move, the Bangladeshi government announced an immediate ban on the broadcast of the entire Indian Premier League within the country. The official order requested "to stop the broadcasting/telecasting of all matches and programs of the Indian Premier League (IPL) until further notice."
This series of events has thrust Mustafizur Rahman into the centre of a sports-diplomacy crossfire. His signing for PSL 2026 not only revives his franchise league career in another major tournament but also underscores the complex interplay between international sports, politics, and national sentiment.
