Lahore Qalandars signs Mustafizur Rahman as direct signing ahead of PSL 2026

Defending Pakistan Super League champions Lahore Qalandars have made a high-profile early signing for the upcoming season of the marquee T20 tournament, announcing the direct signing of Bangladesh’s left-arm quick Mustafizur Rahman ahead of the player auction, which takes place on February 11. 

The deal was completed for PKR 6.44 crore (approx. USD 230,000) and signals Qalandars’ intent to bolster their bowling attack as they chase back-to-back titles. This will be Mustafizur’s third stint with the franchise. He was initially picked by Qalandars in 2016, although an untimely injury prevented him from featuring that season, and he later appeared in five games in 2018, taking four wickets at an economy rate of 6.43.  

Lahore Qalandars owner Sameen Rana didn’t hide his excitement at bringing Mustafizur back into the fold, underlining both his value on the field and his connection with the team off it.

“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,” Rana was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

The signing comes after Mustafizur was released from Kolkata Knight Riders ahead of IPL 2026, a move that drew widespread attention in recent weeks. With Mustafizur now confirmed, Qalandars have effectively solidified another piece of their bowling arsenal ahead of the PSL 11 campaign, joining retained stars like skipper Shaheen Shah Afridi, Abdullah Shafique, Sikandar Raza and Mohammad Naeem.  

For the unversed, under the new PSL retention and direct signing rules, franchises are allowed one overseas direct signing outside of the auction, and Qalandars have made their signing by snapping up a seasoned T20 performer like Rahman.

Moeen Ali signed by Karachi Kings, Steven Smith by Sialkot Stallionz

There have been two more high-profile direct signings for PSL this season. The English all-rounder Moeen Ali was signed by the Karachi Kings for the upcoming season for PKR 6.44 crore. Meanwhile, Australian superstar Steven Smith was signed by the newest PSL team Sialkot Stallionz, ahead of the first-ever player auction in PSL.