Lahore Qalandars have secured a significant coup ahead of the forthcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) season, signing Bangladesh’s left‑arm seamer Mustafizur Rahman on a direct contract prior to the players’ draft. The franchise confirmed the development via its official social media platforms, prompting an outpouring of enthusiasm from owner Sameen Rana, who described the acquisition as both an honour and an emotional reunion.
In a video message released by the club, Rana praised Mustafizur as “a major name in world cricket” and declared that bringing him back into the Qalandars fold was a matter of pride. In an unusually heartfelt gesture, he concluded by saying, “Fizz, I love you. We are waiting for you,” underlining the franchise’s excitement at welcoming the Bangladeshi paceman.
According to club sources, the contract is valued at 64.4 million Pakistani rupees, which converts to more than 28.1 million Bangladeshi taka. The figure places Mustafizur among the more lucrative overseas signings for the season and signals the expectations resting upon his shoulders—particularly in the middle and death overs, phases of the T20 game where his variations have proved decisive across global leagues.
A summary of the agreement is provided below:
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Player | Mustafizur Rahman |
| Nationality | Bangladeshi |
| Franchise | Lahore Qalandars |
| League | Pakistan Super League (PSL) |
| Contract Type | Direct signing (pre-draft) |
| Contract Value | PKR 64.4 million |
| Approx. Value in BDT | Over BDT 28.1 million |
| Primary Role | Left-arm pace; middle and death overs specialist |
Rana described the signing as a “homecoming”, recalling that when the PSL began nearly a decade ago, Mustafizur was Lahore’s first selection in the Gold category. Administrative complications relating to his No Objection Certificate (NOC) prevented him from participating that season. However, he later represented the franchise, impressing supporters with his deceptive cutters and composure under pressure. “We have had a long association with him,” Rana noted. “It is fortunate for Lahore that a player of Mustafizur’s calibre will once again wear our colours.”
The prospect of Mustafizur forming a new‑ball and closing‑overs partnership with Pakistan’s star left‑arm quick Shaheen Shah Afridi has further heightened anticipation. Rana said he was “eagerly awaiting” the combination, suggesting that the contrasting yet complementary skill sets of Afridi’s pace and bounce alongside Mustafizur’s variation could pose formidable challenges to opposing batting line‑ups.
In addition, the Qalandars owner offered warm praise for Bangladeshi cricketers more broadly, citing his positive experiences working with players such as Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Shakib Al Hasan and Rishad Hossain. He commended their professionalism, approachability and wholehearted commitment on the field, remarking that they treat the teams they represent as extensions of their own identity.
With the PSL continuing to attract international talent and global attention, Lahore Qalandars’ decision to invest heavily in Mustafizur underscores their ambition to mount another serious title challenge. For the franchise and its supporters alike, the return of “Fizz” represents not merely a signing, but the rekindling of a relationship rooted in shared history and renewed expectation.