Bangladesh’s pace sensation, Mustafizur Rahman, is set to become the first Bangladeshi cricketer to feature in England’s domestic franchise tournament, The Hundred. He has been signed by Birmingham Phoenix in the latest player draft, making history for Bangladeshi cricket. Of the two Bangladeshi players in the final draft list, Mustafizur secured a place while Rishad Hossain missed out. This naturally raises the question: why did Birmingham Phoenix show particular interest in Mustafizur?
Mustafizur is no stranger to franchise cricket. While this will be his debut in The Hundred, he has previously competed in high-profile leagues including the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the Pakistan Super League (PSL), showcasing his talent on global platforms.
In the most recent IPL auction, Mustafizur was sold for a staggering ₹9.2 crore to Kolkata Knight Riders. However, following threats from extremist groups, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) granted him exemption from the tournament on 3 January. Subsequently, he was signed directly by the PSL’s Lahore Qalandars.
His PSL contract details:
| Team | Contract Value (PKR) | Approx. Value in BDT |
|---|---|---|
| Lahore Qalandars | 64.4 million | 28.1 million+ |
This demonstrates Mustafizur’s high market demand, making him a sought-after asset for multiple franchise leagues worldwide.
Birmingham Phoenix’s decision to acquire Mustafizur is influenced by more than just his on-field prowess. The team’s head coach, Shane Bond, shares a longstanding professional relationship with the bowler. Mustafizur worked under Bond during his stint with Mumbai Indians in 2018, when Bond was the team’s bowling coach. Bond’s familiarity with Mustafizur’s skills has been a decisive factor in securing him for the squad.
Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Bond said:
“I have worked with Mustafizur before in Mumbai. We have a strong understanding. He is a game-changing bowler. His off-spin variations and pace changes make a huge impact in matches. He is one of the finest in this regard.”
Bond also highlighted how Mustafizur’s slower deliveries could prove especially effective in English conditions:
“Our research shows that many English pitches start turning as the season progresses. Having Mustafizur in the attack will be invaluable.”
At Birmingham, Mustafizur will be part of a diverse squad including England’s Jacob Bethell, Rehan Ahmed, Ethan Brooks, Chris Wood, Pakistan’s Usman Tariq, and South Africa’s Donovan Ferreira.
The fifth edition of The Hundred is scheduled to commence on 21 July, and Mustafizur’s inclusion is expected to provide a significant boost to Birmingham Phoenix’s bowling arsenal.
Birmingham Phoenix Squad
| Players |
|---|
| Jacob Bethell |
| Rehan Ahmed |
| Donovan Ferreira |
| Mitchell Wain |
| Sakib Mahmud |
| Usman Tariq |
| Joe Clarke |
| Will Smith |
| Jordan Thomson |
| Scott Currie |
| Lory Evans |
| Chris Wood |
| Ethan Brooks |
| Mustafizur Rahman |
Mustafizur’s debut in The Hundred not only elevates his own career but also represents a landmark moment for Bangladeshi cricket, highlighting the nation’s growing footprint in global franchise tournaments.