From IPL Exit to PSL Return: Mustafizur Rahman’s Big Comeback After 8 Years

Bangladesh left-arm seamer Mustafizur Rahman has officially been confirmed as a participant in the Pakistan Super League, marking his return to the franchise tournament after eight years. The announcement was made through the PSL’s official social media channels, confirming that Mustafizur will feature in the upcoming draft instead of continuing in the Indian Premier League.

The move comes in the aftermath of Mustafizur’s removal from Kolkata Knight Riders ahead of the IPL 2026 season, a decision that has sparked widespread debate across the subcontinent cricketing landscape.

PSL Confirms Mustafizur’s Inclusion in Draft

The PSL draft is scheduled to take place on January 21, and Mustafizur Rahman’s name has now been officially added to the player pool. The league’s confirmation ends speculation surrounding his franchise future after his sudden IPL exit.

An announcement on the PSL’s official Facebook account read:

“Batters better shake carefully… it’s going to Fizz in the #NewEra. Mustafizur Rahman joins HBL PSL 11!”

This confirmation signals Mustafizur’s first appearance in the PSL since 2018, when he represented Lahore Qalandars.

IPL Exit Fuels Controversy

Mustafizur’s departure from the IPL has become a major talking point. The Bangladesh pacer was released from KKR following a directive from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), reportedly linked to safety and diplomatic concerns amid ongoing communal violence in Bangladesh.

The decision to expel Mustafizur from the IPL has drawn strong reactions, particularly because Mustafizur Rahman was the only Bangladeshi player purchased at the IPL 2026 auction, where he fetched a record INR 9.2 crore in December.

Bangladesh’s Response and World Cup Implications

In response to Mustafizur’s removal from the IPL, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has reportedly requested that Bangladesh’s matches in the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup be played in Sri Lanka, citing safety concerns. This mirrors a previous arrangement involving Pakistan, where matches were played at neutral venues instead of India.

Further escalating tensions, Bangladesh’s interim government has announced plans to strip IPL broadcast rights within the country. These developments have added another layer of complexity to an already sensitive situation involving cricketing, political, and commercial interests.

Why the PSL Makes Strategic Sense

With the PSL set to begin on March 23, just three days before the IPL, Mustafizur becomes one of several overseas players choosing the Pakistan-based league over the Indian tournament due to scheduling conflicts and contractual realities.

The PSL, now expanded with two new teams joining the existing six, is expected to place high demand on experienced overseas bowlers. Mustafizur’s skill set—particularly his cutters, slower balls, and death-over expertise—makes him a valuable asset in T20 conditions.

A Return Eight Years in the Making

Mustafizur’s last PSL appearance came at an early stage of his franchise career. Since then, Mustafizur Rahman has:

Established himself as Bangladesh’s premier white-ball pacer
Played key roles in ICC tournaments
Become a sought-after specialist in T20 leagues worldwide

His return after eight years signals both a professional reset and an opportunity to reassert his value at franchise level.

Political and Cricketing Ramifications

Mustafizur Rahman’s exclusion from the IPL and subsequent move to the PSL has transcended sport, becoming a topic of political discussion in the lead-up to the T20 World Cup. The possibility of last-minute scheduling changes, venue shifts, or administrative sanctions involving the BCCI or BCB remains a developing story.

Conclusion

Mustafizur Rahman’s return to the Pakistan Super League after eight years marks a significant turn in an already dramatic chapter of his career. Following his high-profile IPL exit, the Bangladesh seamer now finds himself at the centre of both cricketing and political narratives.