Bangladeshs Mustafizur joins Pakistan Super League amid IPL controversy

Pakistan Super League Signs Bangladesh Fast Bowler Amid Tensions with India

The Lahore Qalandars have signed Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman in a draft that allows Pakistan Super League franchises to select one player before the February 11 auction. The signing comes after both countries’ teams were involved in a dispute with India over the removal of Mustafizur from the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Mustafizur was purchased by Kolkata Knight Riders for $1 million, but on January 3, the Board of Control for Cricket in India ordered the team to release him without explanation. This decision sparked outrage in Bangladesh, leading its cricket board to request a change in the venue for their T20 World Cup games from India to co-host Sri Lanka due to “security concerns.”

The International Cricket Council (ICC) rejected this reason and cut Bangladesh from the tournament. The Pakistan Cricket Board supported Bangladesh’s stance, accusing the ICC of double standards. As a result, Pakistan’s government ordered the country not to play India in the upcoming T20 World Cup.

Mustafizur has been drafted by Lahore for a third time since the PSL began in 2016. In a statement, Lahore owner Sameen Rana said, “Once a Qalandar, always a Qalandar.” He also stated that Mustafizur is not just a player but a valued member of their team who has consistently demonstrated his talent, experience, and dedication.

Source: Al Jazeera