Mustafizur heads to PSL after shock IPL exit, to earn 77 per cent less
Mustafizur Rahman has signed with Lahore Qalandars for PSL 11 after his IPL release by KKR, agreeing to a deal worth about Rs 2 crore, nearly 77 per cent lower than his IPL contract.
Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman has joined Lahore Qalandars for Season 11 of the Pakistan Super League, days after being released by Kolkata Knight Riders ahead of the upcoming Indian Premier League.
The Qalandars confirmed the signing through a direct agreement, bringing Mustafizur back into the PSL fold after his sudden exit from the IPL setup.
IPL vs PSL contract: Sharp financial contrast
Mustafizur’s PSL contract has been agreed at PKR 6.44 crore, which is approximately Rs 2 crore in Indian currency. By comparison, the Bangladesh pacer was set to earn Rs 9.2 crore under his IPL contract with KKR before his release, highlighting a sharp financial contrast between the two deals.
In percentage terms, the PSL agreement is worth around 77 per cent less than his IPL salary. However, the reduction reflects the differing financial ecosystems of the two leagues rather than any renegotiation or pay cut imposed by Lahore Qalandars. The PSL operates with significantly lower salary slabs than the IPL, where franchise revenues and broadcast valuations allow for far higher player contracts.
Exit from IPL and wider developments
Mustafizur’s removal from the KKR roster followed directions from the Board of Control for Cricket in India, though the board did not publicly outline the grounds for the decision. It referred instead to “developments all across”, a remark that came amid deteriorating diplomatic relations between India and Bangladesh.
The situation escalated beyond franchise cricket when Bangladesh announced its withdrawal from the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup, citing security concerns despite the International Cricket Council maintaining a low threat perception for the tournament, scheduled to be played in India and Sri Lanka.
Pakistan later announced a selective pullout, opting not to play its marquee fixture against India in support of Bangladesh’s stance. The sequence of events placed Mustafizur at the centre of a broader geopolitical and cricketing fallout, even though the player himself remained publicly silent.
Lahore add experience to bowling attack
For Lahore Qalandars, the signing brings a proven T20 operator with extensive league experience. Mustafizur is known for his cutters, changes of pace and control at the death, qualities that have made him effective across conditions.
“Once a Qalandar, always a Qalandar. Mustafizur is not just a player; he’s a brother and a key part of our family,” said Sameen Rana, owner of Lahore Qalandars.
Mustafizur had previously represented the franchise during the 2016 and 2018 seasons, giving him familiarity with the league as he looks to put recent off-field turbulence behind him.