The defending champion of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) in this season, Lahore Qalandars, announced the signing of the Bangladeshi star pacer Mustafizur Rahman for the 2026 edition.
The announcement came after the bowlers' snub from the Indian Premier League 2026 (IPL 2026).
Days after the announcement made by the PSL franchise, doubts started to loom over the availability of Mustafizur Rahman for various reasons. Regional tension and duties for the Bangladesh National Cricket team these two reasons that cast doubt on the pacer's PSL 2026 fate.
Mustafizur Rahman was in song in PSL 2026
Dismissing all the possible doubts, Rahman has played 5 matches so far for the Lahore Qalandars and picked up 6 wickets as well for an impressive economy rate of 7.17. But, still, some doubts remain over his availability for the remainder of the season.
"Once a Qalandar, always a Qalandar. Mustafizur is not just a player; he's a brother, a key part of our family who never left. We are thrilled to welcome him back to our dressing room. His talent, experience, and dedication will be invaluable as we aim to defend our title and make a statement in PSL 11,' Sameen Rana, the Qalandars owner, said.
Will the Bangladeshi pacer play the remainder of PSL 2026?
There is no doubt that the Lahore-based franchise has considered the pacer for a full season as they are trying to defend their title. Amid the ongoing season, a major update has arrived regarding the No Objection Certificate (NOC) of Mustafizur Rahman.
Sohail Imran, a sports correspondent for Geo TV Network, informed that the 30-year-old seamer had been granted the much-needed NOC from the Bangladesh Cricket Board in two different phases for PSL 2026, as the Bangladesh cricket team will have to play a series against New Zealand.
"The fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman of Lahore Qalandars had been granted an NOC for PSL in two phases by the Bangladesh Cricket Board due to national duty. After the one-day series against New Zealand, Mustafizur Rahman has received an NOC from April 24 to May 3, and he is available for Lahore Qalandars," Imran informed through a 'X' post.
When will Rahman play for Lahore next?
Bangladesh is currently engaged in a white-ball series with the Kiwis. After the conclusion of the three-match ODI series, they will compete in a three-match T20I series as well. The Bangladesh vs New Zealand white-ball series has started from April 17 and will run till May 2.
As per the claims regarding the duration of the NOC and the schedule of the series of both the National cricket team of Bangladesh and the PSL team, Mustafizur Rahman will be available again for the franchise league from April 24. This means the pacer will be available to play for the Lahore Qalandars on April 25 when they will be up against the Peshawar Zalmi at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. As of now, Lahore is in fourth position on the PSL 2026 points table with 4 wins in 8 matches.