Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman has registered for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) draft after Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) controversially released him from their Indian Premier League (IPL) squad.
Kolkata bought the 30-year-old left-arm pacer for INR 9.20 crore in December’s IPL mini-auction, making him the only Bangladesh player signed for the season. The franchise released him on Saturday after the Board of Control for Cricket in India instructed them to do so.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia cited “recent developments” as the reason but did not elaborate further.
The decision comes after hardliner Hindutva activists threatened to beat up Bangladeshi cricketers if they participated in the IPL. The activists also warned Bollywood star and KKR owner Shah Rukh Khan against allowing Bangladeshi players to represent his team.
Bangladesh has responded by banning IPL broadcasts in the country. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has also asked the ICC to shift its T20 World Cup matches from India to Sri Lanka.
Mustafizur, known for his variations and death-over bowling, has played in the IPL since 2016. He has represented Sunrisers Hyderabad, Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals, Delhi Capitals, and Chennai Super Kings, taking 65 wickets in 60 matches at an economy rate of 8.13.
The PSL has confirmed that he has registred for the upcoming edition, with the draft expected soon.
Previously, he featured in the PSL for Lahore Qalandars