Lahore Qalandars announce Mustafizur Rahman as direct signing for PSL 2026
Mustafizur was released by IPL franchise KKR last month following BCCI instructions
ESPNcricinfo staff
Feb 5, 2026, 9:24 AM • 6 hrs ago
Mustafizur Rahman will return to Lahore Qalandars • Associated Press
Defending champions Lahore Qalandars have announced Mustafizur Rahman as their direct signing for PSL 2026. He was signed for PKR 6.44 crore (approx. USD 230,000).
Mustafizur was initially picked by Kolkata Knight Riders at the IPL 2026 auction but was released last month following BCCI instructions.
This will be Mustafizur's third stint with Qalandars. He was first picked by them for the 2016 season but couldn't play because of a shoulder injury. In 2018, he played five matches, and picked up four wickets at an economy of 6.43.
"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."
Earlier this week, Qalandars announced the retentions of captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, Abdullah Shafique, Sikandar Raza and Mohammad Naeem.
Mustafizur joins Steven Smith (Sialkot Stallionz), Devon Conway (Islamabad United) and Moeen Ali (Karachi Kings) as confirmed direct signings at the PSL. Each team can sign one player outside the auction, which will be held on February 11.
All the players - retained, directly signed, or picked at the auction - will have a two-year contract with their franchise. The teams can sign 16 to 20 players, with five to seven overseas players and at least one local player under the age of 23 who is yet to play the PSL.