Days after thrown out of IPL 2026 by KKR, Mustafizur sold for very low price in Pakistan Super League, the price will shock you, just Rs…
In a series of events that have felt more like a political thriller than a sports report, Bangladesh’s star pacer Mustafizur Rahman has officially pivoted from the IPL to the PSL.
The left-armer, affectionately known as “The Fizz,” has had a whirlwind week. After being the crown jewel of KKR’s auction strategy just weeks ago, he’s now preparing for a return to Pakistan after an eight-year hiatus. Here’s the breakdown of how we got here and what it means for the landscape of South Asian cricket.
The Rs 9.20 Crore Contract That Vanished
It’s rare to see a player’s fortunes flip this fast. In the IPL 2026 mini-auction, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) fought off heavy interest from Chennai and Delhi to secure Mustafizur for a massive Rs 9.20 crore.
However, following reports of civil unrest and violence in Bangladesh, the BCCI stepped in. Citing “recent developments,” the board directed KKR to release the pacer. Because the contract was terminated due to administrative/political reasons rather than an injury, reports suggest Mustafizur is unlikely to receive any compensation or insurance payout from the IPL. It’s a staggering financial blow for any athlete.
The “Fizz” Returns to Pakistan
Just days after his IPL exit, the Pakistan Super League (PSL) announced that Mustafizur would be joining the draft for its 11th edition (HBL PSL 11). This marks his first appearance in the league since 2018, when he suited up for the Lahore Qalandars.
While he was the highest-paid Bangladeshi in IPL history, he’ll be playing for significantly less in the PSL. Even the league’s top-tier “Platinum” players typically earn around Rs 1.40 crore to Rs 1.70 crore, a far cry from his Rs 9.20 crore KKR deal.
A Growing Diplomatic Rift
This isn’t just about one bowler; it’s a full-blown cricketing standoff. Bangladesh’s interim government has officially banned the live broadcast of IPL 2026 within the country, citing the “unjust” removal of Mustafizur.
The BCB has formally requested the ICC to move their World Cup matches from India to Sri Lanka, claiming they don’t feel the environment is secure for their players.
The PSL is set to begin on March 23, just three days before the IPL kicks off. For the first time in years, the two leagues will be in direct competition for eyeballs in the subcontinent.
The Verdict
Mustafizur has essentially become the face of a larger conflict. While he’ll surely “fizz” through batting orders in Pakistan, the loss of the IPL platform and the paycheck that came with it, is a tough pill to swallow. As the T20 World Cup looms in February, the “Gentleman’s Game” is feeling more like a chess match.