Kolkata Knight Riders have signed Mustafizur Rahman for a record 9 crore 20 lakh rupees at the IPL auction. It is the highest price ever paid for a Bangladeshi player in the league. The amount equals around 12 crore taka. Kolkata beat Delhi and Chennai in the bidding to secure the left arm pacer.
The big deal has also raised questions about Mustafizur’s availability. The IPL will run from late March to May. In April, Bangladesh are scheduled to play white ball series at home against Pakistan and New Zealand. These matches are important as the team plans for qualification for the 2027 World Cup. Because of this busy calendar, it is still unclear if the BCB will issue a no objection certificate.
If Mustafizur misses part of the tournament, he will not earn the full contract amount. IPL players are paid based on how many matches they play. He experienced the same situation last season while playing for Delhi.
Mustafizur is now in the United Arab Emirates, where he is taking part in the IL T20. He has been in good rhythm and has bowled with control and consistency.
In a recent match in Dubai against the Desert Vipers, commentators closely discussed his off cutter and seam scramble deliveries. They praised his skill and variation. When asked about batters reading his bowling, Mustafizur remained calm and confident.
Representing Dubai Capitals in the IL T20, he has taken six wickets in four matches. His strong performances kept him in demand at the IPL auction.
Several Bangladeshi players have played for Kolkata in the past. Mashrafe Bin Mortaza, Shakib Al Hasan and Litton Das have all represented the franchise.
Mashrafe once held the record for the highest price for a Bangladeshi player in the IPL. Kolkata signed him for around 4 crore rupees in the 2009 auction. That record fell last month when Delhi picked Mustafizur for 6 crore rupees late in the season. Kolkata’s latest bid has now taken the mark even higher.
