Snubbed by IPL, Fizz ‘welcomed’ for upcoming PSL
Days after Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman was removed from the Indian Premier League (IPL), the Pakistan Super League (PSL) has "welcomed" the left-arm pacer for the 11th edition of the franchise-based T20 tournament.
"Batters better shake carefully… it's going to Fizz in the #NewEra. Mustafizur Rahman joins HBL PSL 11!" read a post by the league on its official Facebook page today. The post included a photo card featuring the pacer along with the words: "Mustafizur Rahman, welcome to the #NewEra of HBL PSL."
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. The PSL is set to begin on March 23, three days before the start of the 19th edition of the IPL. This edition of the PSL will feature two new teams alongside the six usual franchises.
Mustafizur is yet to be picked by a PSL side, with the draft for the tournament expected to be announced on January 21.
Earlier this week, Mustafizur was released by IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), who had bought him for a Bangladesh-record INR 9.2 crore, following instructions from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
The move sparked widespread criticism. The Bangladesh interim government suspended the broadcast of the IPL in the country, while the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) decided not to send the national team to the upcoming T20 World Cup, set to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7, citing concerns over the safety and security of the Bangladesh contingent in India.
The BCB is also awaiting a response from the ICC, having requested the sport's governing body to shift Bangladesh's matches outside India.
Bangladesh are currently scheduled to play all of their group-stage matches in India, including their first three fixtures at KKR's home venue, Eden Gardens.
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