Mustafizur Rahman is likely to feature in the Pakistan Super League(PSL) after Kolkata Knight Riders removed him from their squad following objections raised by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
The decision has triggered wider ramifications. In response, Bangladesh have announced they will not play in India at the upcoming T20 World Cup. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has formally written to the International Cricket Council (ICC), with sources indicating that the ICC has already begun working on a revised schedule.
Amid the unfolding situation, the Pakistan Super League shared a social media post featuring Mustafizur, further fuelling speculation about his immediate future. While the left-arm pacer has been barred from the Indian Premier League, the PSL remains an open avenue.
He has previously played in the Pakistan’s marquee tournament in 2017-18 season for Lahore Qalandars. He played five matches for the Qalandars, scooping up four wickets.
There had been prior rumours of interest from multiple PSL franchises, and developments in recent days suggest that a move to Pakistan’s flagship T20 league is now increasingly likely.
London-based Pakistani stand-up comedian and host Salman Malik also weighed in on the issue via social media. “If banning a Bangladeshi makes them (India) happy, let it be,” he wrote. “We Pakistanis would be happy to welcome our Bangladeshi brother to the PSL.”
Earlier, at the IPL auction held in Dubai, Mustafizur Rahman was among the most sought-after players. After a bidding contest involving Delhi Capitals, Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders, Kolkata signed him for INR 9.2 crore, the highest fee ever paid to a Bangladeshi cricketer in the IPL.
