Lahore Qalandars Sign Mustafizur Rahman as Direct Signing for PSL 2026

Defending Pakistan Super League champions Lahore Qalandars have announced the signing of Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman as a direct signing for the 2026 season.

Mustafizur has been secured for PKR 6.44 crore (approximately USD 230,000) and will reunite with the franchise for the third time in his PSL career.

The left-arm seamer was first signed by the Qalandars for the inaugural 2016 season but was ruled out due to a shoulder injury. He later returned in 2018, featuring in five matches and claiming four wickets at an economy rate 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,” Qalandars owner Sameen Rana 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, Lahore Qalandars confirmed the retention of captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, Abdullah Shafique, Sikandar Raza and Mohammad Naeem ahead of the new season.

Mustafizur was initially picked by Kolkata Knight Riders at the IPL 2026 auction but was released last month following instructions from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

He becomes the second direct signing of the PSL 2026 season, following Sialkot Stallionz’s acquisition of Steven Smith. Under PSL regulations, each franchise is permitted to sign one player outside the auction, which is scheduled to be held on February 11.

All players — whether retained, directly signed or selected at the auction — will be contracted to their franchises for a two-year period. Squads must include between 16 and 20 players, with five to seven overseas players and at least one local player under the age of 23 who has yet to make his PSL debut.