Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman has joined Lahore Qalandars for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) through a direct signing, the franchise announced on Thursday, February 5, 2026.
Mustafizur will earn PKR 6.44 crore (approximately ₹2.08 crore) with Lahore Qalandars. This represents a significant reduction compared with his Indian Premier League (IPL) contract with Kolkata Knight Riders, which was valued at ₹9.2 crore, representing a difference of approximately 77 percent.
Details of the PSL contract
Lahore Qalandars confirmed the signing on their official X account, stating: “Our Bangladeshi brother Mustafizur, picked in 2016 and 2018, is now our direct signing and finally back with the family. Once a Qalandar, always a Qalandar.”
The salary gap reflects the structural differences between the two leagues. The IPL operates with higher salary slabs than the PSL, largely due to differences in franchise revenues and broadcast valuations.
Background on IPL release
Mustafizur was acquired by Kolkata Knight Riders at the IPL 2026 mini-auction held in December for ₹9.2 crore. He was the only Bangladeshi player to secure an IPL contract for the 2026 season.
On January 3, 2026, Kolkata Knight Riders released Mustafizur from their squad. No official reason was provided at the time.
Mustafizur’s PSL history
This will be Mustafizur’s second stint in the Pakistan Super League. He previously represented Lahore Qalandars during the 2017–18 season, taking four wickets in five matches at an economy rate of 6.43.
Known for his variations and control in the death overs, the left-arm pacer is expected to strengthen Lahore Qalandars’ bowling lineup for PSL Season 11.
