KARACHI – Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman has officially joined the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026, days after his unexpected release from the Indian Premier League (IPL) squad by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), owned by Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan.
The PSL announced Rahman’s signing on social media, sharing a banner highlighting the left-arm pacer, who has so far played 15 Tests, 116 ODIs, and 126 T20Is for Bangladesh. “Batters better shake carefully… it’s going to Fizz in the #NewEra. Mustafizur Rahman joins HBL PSL 11!” the league captioned the post.
Rahman’s sudden IPL exit, reportedly following directives from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), sparked significant controversy. KKR confirmed the move in a statement, saying the franchise was instructed by the IPL’s governing body to release him ahead of the 2026 season.
The decision triggered a sharp response from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). The board announced that the national men’s team would not travel to India for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, citing security concerns. Youth and sports adviser Asif Nazrul further said the board is seeking clarification over Rahman’s exclusion from the IPL.
Bangladesh’s government also reacted swiftly, banning coverage of the IPL in the country. A statement from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting emphasized that no explanation had been provided for Rahman’s release and described the move as being in the “public interest.” Assistant Secretary Firoz Khan signed the statement, highlighting the distress the decision had caused among cricket fans in Bangladesh.
With his PSL 2026 debut confirmed, Mustafizur Rahman now shifts focus to the Pakistani league, giving fans a new stage to witness his pace and skill following the IPL controversy.
