Lahore Qalandars have pulled off a big signing ahead of the upcoming Pakistan Super League, bringing back Bangladesh’s left-arm fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman on a direct contract.

Announcing the move on social media, the franchise said that Mustafizur will once again don the Qalandars jersey, with the deal sealed for Rs64.4 million, marking a familiar and much-anticipated return for the experienced pacer.

Earlier, the PSL management confirmed that the pacer had been signed on a direct contract, though the franchise he would play for was not disclosed at the time.

Lahore Qalandars have now completed the move ahead of the auction.

In a post on the club’s official Facebook page, the franchise welcomed Mustafizur back, recalling his earlier stints in 2016 and 2018.

“Our Bangladeshi brother, [Mustafizur], picked in 2016 and 2018, is now our direct signing and finally back with the family. Once a Qalandar, always a Qalandar,” it read.

Mustafizur had recently been dropped by the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Kolkata Knight Riders amid pressure from the Indian government.

Following the Indian action, the Bangladesh Cricket Board decided not to play its T20 World Cup matches in India due to security concerns, prompting the International Cricket Council (ICC) to replace Bangladesh with Scotland.

Pakistan criticised the ICC’s decision as a double standard and subsequently announced a boycott of its World Cup match against India.

Mustafizur previously represented Lahore Qalandars between 2016 and 2018 and will now return to the franchise after a long gap.

The Qalandars’ management described the signing as more than a professional move, calling it an emotional reunion.

Team owner Sameen Rana said that Mustafizur is not just a player but like a brother and a family member to the franchise.

He expressed confidence that Mustafizur’s return would significantly strengthen the bowling attack and that his experience would help the team in its pursuit of the PSL title.

The management believes Mustafizur’s skill set and proven T20 performances will play a key role in the team’s success in the upcoming season.

Interestingly, Bangladeshi players Shakib Al Hasan, Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Irshad Hussain were part of the Qalandars squad last season, but this time the franchise has opted to sign only Mustafizur Rahman.

Following the signing, Qalandars fans are optimistic that the team’s bowling unit will emerge as one of the most formidable attacks in the tournament.