Bangladesh’s premier pacer Mustafizur Rahman has been drafted into Birmingham Phoenix for the 2026 season of The Hundred 2026, England’s innovative 100-ball cricket tournament. Acquired at the base price of £100,000, the sum equates to approximately ৳1.64 crore in Bangladeshi taka.
The London-based auction saw Mustafizur selected at his base price, marking his debut in this fast-paced format. At 30, the left-arm fast bowler brings international experience and death-over expertise to Birmingham Phoenix’s squad, strengthening their bowling attack with pace and versatility.
Bangladeshi Representation
Two Bangladeshi players were included in this year’s final auction list: Mustafizur Rahman and spinner Rishad Hossain. While Mustafizur secured a franchise, Rishad, who remained in the spinner category, was unfortunately unsold. The auction, hosted at Piccadilly Lights, Central London, involved eight franchises competing for both domestic and international talent to bolster squads for the fifth edition of the tournament.
Birmingham Phoenix Squad Composition
Mustafizur joins a diverse squad comprising both experienced international players and promising young talent. His notable teammates include England’s Jacob Bethell and Chris Wood, Pakistan’s Usman Tariq, and South Africa’s Donovan Ferreira. Together, the team aims for a competitive campaign in the 100-ball format.
Auction Financial Details
| Player | Franchise | Auction Price (£) | Approx. BDT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mustafizur Rahman | Birmingham Phoenix | 100,000 | 1.64 crore |
| Rishad Hossain | N/A | N/A | N/A |
The fifth edition of The Hundred is scheduled to commence on 21 July 2026, with matches held across multiple English venues. Mustafizur’s selection is a notable milestone for Bangladeshi cricket, as he becomes one of the few national players to compete in this innovative format.
Franchise officials expressed enthusiasm over the signing, highlighting Mustafizur’s ability to deliver crucial breakthroughs, particularly in the death overs. With the tournament’s unique 100-ball structure placing a premium on versatile bowlers, Mustafizur is expected to play a pivotal role in Birmingham Phoenix’s campaign.
For Bangladesh cricket supporters, his participation represents yet another opportunity to showcase national talent on the global stage, reinforcing the country’s growing influence in international franchise cricket, both in T20 and 100-ball formats.