Lahore Qalandars Announce Mustafizur Rahman as Direct Signing for PSL 2026

Mustafizur Rahman is back with Lahore Qalandars

The Lahore Qalandars, who are the current champs, just said that Mustafizur Rahman, the Bangladeshi fast bowler, is rejoining them as a direct signing for PSL 2026. They’re paying about PKR 6.44 crore (around USD 230,000) for the left-arm bowler, which should pump up their bowling big time for the next season.

Mustafizur has played with the Qalandars twice before. They first picked him in 2016, but he couldn’t play because of a bum shoulder. Then, in 2018, he played five games and snagged four wickets, keeping his economy at 6.43. Because he’s been doing great in international cricket and T20 leagues, he’s a great addition for the champs.

IPL Let Him Go, PSL Picked Him Up

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) grabbed Mustafizur in the IPL 2026 auction at first. But, they let him go last month because the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) told them to. So, he went back to the Pakistan Super League, where the Qalandars jumped at the chance to sign him directly.

Sameen Rana, who owns the Lahore Qalandars, is stoked to have Mustafizur back. Rana said, “Once a Qalandar, always a Qalandar. Mustafizur isn’t just a player; he’s family, he is a brother, and he never really left.It’s great to get him back in the locker room. We can really use his skills, wisdom, and how hard he works as we try to win again and own PSL 11.”

Qalandars Keep Key Guys, Plan Squad

The Lahore Qalandars already said earlier this week that they were keeping key players like captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, Abdullah Shafique, Sikandar Raza, and Mohammad Naeem. By adding Mustafizur Rahman, the Qalandars beefed up their bowling and all-around game. They now have a mix of old and young players, so they’re hoping to stay competitive and win back-to-back in PSL 2026.

Direct Signings in PSL

Mustafizur is just one of many big names getting directly signed in the PSL. Steven Smith (Sialkot Stallionz), Devon Conway (Islamabad United), and Moeen Ali (Karachi Kings) are other confirmed direct picks. Each team gets to pick one player outside the auction, so they can snag some sweet talent before the draft.

Whether players are kept, directly signed, or picked in the auction on February 11, they’ll all have two-year deals with their teams. Each team can have from 16 to 20 players, with five to seven of them being from overseas. Teams also have to have at least one local player under 23 who hasn’t been in the PSL before, so up-and-comers get a shot.

PSL 2026 is Coming

With Mustafizur Rahman back, the Lahore Qalandars seem ready to try and win it all again and stay on top in the PSL. Because they have experienced international players and good local talent, they should be good at both batting and bowling, which makes them one of the favorites for PSL 2026. Fans are going to be watching Mustafizur closely, especially in big games against other teams.