Mashrafe Bin Mortaza has congratulated Mustafizur Rahman on securing a record-breaking IPL contract, saying the Bangladesh left-arm pacer’s current form makes the price no surprise.
Mustafizur is presently in the United Arab Emirates playing in the ILT20, where he has been in impressive rhythm. Only a couple of days ago, commentators highlighted his off-cutter, seam-scrambling ability and overall skill during detailed on-air analysis. That form was reflected at the IPL auction on Monday, when Kolkata Knight Riders signed him for ₹9.20 crore — the highest fee ever paid for a Bangladeshi cricketer in the tournament.
For years, Mashrafe himself topped the list of Bangladeshi players in terms of IPL price. Kolkata had bought him for close to ₹4 crore at the 2009 auction. That mark was first surpassed last month when Delhi signed Mustafizur late in the season for ₹6 crore. Kolkata have now raised the bar further, paying ₹9.20 crore, which translates to roughly Tk 12 crore in Bangladeshi currency.
Reacting on Facebook, Mashrafe wrote:
“Mustafizur will play for Kolkata Knight Riders this time for ₹9.20 crore, which is Tk 12.37 crore in Bangladeshi money. Congratulations, Fizz. Given the rhythm he is in right now, there is nothing to be surprised about. Rather, he will do something special, Insha’Allah.”
Mustafizur has continued to make an impact in the ILT20, taking six wickets in four matches for Dubai Capitals, a franchise linked to Delhi. Delhi were keen to retain a familiar campaigner at the auction but were constrained by their remaining budget. Chennai Super Kings also showed interest in their former player. With sufficient funds available, Kolkata outbid both rivals to secure his services. Previously, Bangladeshi cricketers to have represented Kolkata include Mashrafe, Shakib Al Hasan and Litton Das.
However, there remains uncertainty over whether Mustafizur will be available for the entire IPL season. Bangladesh are scheduled to host New Zealand in April for ODI and T20I series, and it is unclear whether the BCB will issue a no-objection certificate for him to play throughout the tournament. If he is unable to feature in the full IPL, Mustafizur will not receive the entire ₹9.20 crore, instead being paid proportionately based on the number of matches he plays — as was the case during his stint with Delhi in May last year.
