Bangladesh duo makes impact in Lahore's victory Bangladesh all-rounders Mustafizur Rahman and Parvez Hossain played pivotal roles in Lahore Qalandars' 20-run victory over Multan Sultans in a rain-affected Pakistan Super League (PSL) match at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium on Friday night. The contest, shortened to 13 overs per side due to weather interruptions, saw Lahore post a competitive total of 185-5 after being put in to bat. Multan, despite a spirited chase, fell short of the target, marking their first defeat of the tournament. Parvez Hossain, who had previously struggled with scores of 14 and 12 in his last two outings, delivered a standout performance with the bat. The left-hander initially faced difficulties, managing just 7 runs from his first 9 deliveries. However, he quickly adapted, launching an aggressive assault on Mohammad Nawaz. In a single over, Hossain smashed 19 runs, including two consecutive sixes and a boundary. He continued his dominance against left-arm spinner Faisal Akram, hitting three successive sixes. His innings of 45 off 19 balls—comprising five sixes and two fours—placed Lahore in a commanding position before he was caught on the boundary by Mohammad Ismail. Mustafizur Rahman complemented Hossain's batting with a crucial bowling spell. After picking up just one wicket in his previous two matches, the left-arm pacer returned to form with figures of 2-37 in 3 overs. He dismissed opener Sahibzada Farhan, who was caught at long-on after scoring 24, and later removed Shan Masood lbw for 44. These dismissals effectively halted Multan's momentum, setting the stage for Lahore's decisive victory. The match highlighted the resilience of Lahore Qalandars as they navigated the challenges posed by the weather.#gaddafi_stadium #lahore_qalandars #mustafizur_rahman #multan_sultans #parvez_hossain

No IPL 2026 Broadcast In Bangladesh Even If Government Lifts Ban - Here's Why The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 will not be broadcast in Bangladesh regardless of any potential reversal in the government’s stance on the issue, as JioStar has terminated its broadcasting agreement with the country’s T Sports. Despite initial indications that the Bangladesh government might lift its ban on IPL broadcasts, the termination of the contract means there will be no official coverage of the tournament in the nation. The ban on IPL broadcasts in Bangladesh was imposed following the controversial release of fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), who had purchased him for Rs 9.2 crore in the auction. The government initially opposed the decision, citing concerns over the player’s departure, but later signaled openness to allowing broadcasts if a broadcaster expressed interest. However, JioStar, which had been broadcasting IPL matches in Bangladesh since 2023, announced that its agreement with T Sports was ended “with immediate effect.” The company cited the broadcaster’s “continued failure and default in adhering to the payment timelines stipulated under the agreement” as the reason for the termination. T Sports had sub-licensed the rights to broadcast IPL and Women’s Premier League (WPL) matches from 2023 to 2027. The termination of this agreement means that the WPL will also not be shown in Bangladesh, further limiting the availability of cricket content in the country. With no official partner in place to air IPL matches and no other companies currently vying for the broadcasting rights, the tournament will proceed without local coverage.#kolkata_knight_riders #indian_premier_league #mustafizur_rahman #jio_star #t_sports
Mustafizur Rahman inches closer to T20 history with a record that places him alongside two of the format's most celebrated left-arm seamers Bangladeshi pace bowler Mustafizur Rahman is on the verge of breaking a T20 record, needing just one more wicket to surpass the current tally of 413 by Pakistan's Mohammad Amir and Wahab Riaz. The 30-year-old has already joined the duo in the race for the highest wicket count by a left-arm seamer in the shortest format, with all three players currently tied at 413. However, Mustafizur's achievement is notable for its speed—he reached the milestone in 323 matches, outpacing Amir's 354 and Wahab's 348. The milestone comes as Mustafizur prepares for his second match of the season with Lahore Qalandars against Karachi Kings on Sunday. A single wicket in this game would not only secure his place as the fastest left-arm seamer to reach 413 T20 wickets but also elevate him to the top of the all-time list. Known for his ability to deliver under pressure, Mustafizur has consistently been a key performer in high-stakes encounters across multiple leagues. His deceptive cutters have made him a formidable opponent, particularly in the critical moments of a match. Bangladesh's left-arm seamers have long been a staple of T20 cricket, with Mustafizur's contributions adding to a legacy of excellence in the format. His journey to this record underscores his consistency and adaptability, as he has maintained peak performance despite the challenges of competing in diverse leagues worldwide. The upcoming match against Karachi Kings presents a crucial opportunity to cement his place in T20 history. The achievement also highlights the competitive nature of the T20 format, where bowlers must constantly refine their skills to stay at the top.#t20_cricket #lahore_qalandars #mustafizur_rahman #karachi_kings #left_arm_seamer
Indian Premier League 2026 | KKR Face Injury Woes, Selection Headache Ahead of IPL Season Kolkata Knight Riders are entering the 2026 Indian Premier League season with a combination of challenges and opportunities, as ongoing injuries and off-field complications threaten their preparations. The departure of Mustafizur Rahman due to regional tensions has left a significant gap in their bowling department, while a lengthy injury list featuring Matheesha Pathirana, Harshit Rana, and Akash Deep further complicates their plans. Despite the setbacks, the team has added reinforcements such as Blessing Muzarabani to bolster their options. However, the squad now faces a difficult selection process, particularly at the top of the order, with multiple opening batsmen vying for limited spots. Key performers like Rinku Singh, along with experienced players such as Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy, will play crucial roles in determining the team's success. The upcoming season will test KKR's ability to adapt to early challenges, with the balance of the team and their home advantage remaining critical factors in their prospects for the tournament.#kolkata_knight_riders #indian_premier_league #mustafizur_rahman #matheesha_pathirana #harshit_rana
Injured Harshit Rana Misses IPL 2026 as KKR Faces Pace Attack Challenges Harshit Rana, the fast bowler for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), is expected to miss the upcoming IPL 2026 after sustaining a significant knee injury during a T20 World Cup warm-up match against South Africa earlier this year. The injury, which required surgery on February 9, has ruled him out of India’s T20 World Cup campaign, with Mohammed Siraj called up as his replacement in the squad. Rana’s absence will further strain KKR’s pace attack, which already faces challenges due to the departure of Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman and ongoing fitness concerns for Sri Lankan bowler Matheesha Pathirana. Rana played a pivotal role in KKR’s 2024 title-winning campaign, taking 19 wickets in the tournament, which solidified his position as a key player for both the franchise and the Indian national team. His performances across formats earned him a retention deal of Rs 4 crore for the 2025 season, during which he claimed 15 wickets in 13 matches. However, his injury has left a void in KKR’s bowling department, as the team scrambles to find replacements. While Zimbabwe fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani has been signed as a potential option, the franchise’s pace attack now includes Vaibhav Arora, Umran Malik, Kartik Tyagi, and Akash Deep. Without Rana’s experience, the unit may appear less formidable heading into IPL 2026. The injury also highlights the broader challenges KKR faces in maintaining a competitive edge. Mustafizur Rahman, who was a key part of the team’s success in previous seasons, is no longer in the squad, leaving the franchise to rely on younger, less tested options. Pathirana’s fitness issues further complicate matters, as his potential inclusion could have provided balance to the pace attack.#kolkata_knight_riders #mustafizur_rahman #matheesha_pathirana #harshit_rana #mohammed_siraj

Mustafizur Rahman lands deal as two Pakistan players also picked: The Hundred Auction 2026 Mustafizur Rahman, the experienced left-arm spinner, has secured a deal in The Hundred Auction 2026, joining Birmingham Phoenix. His signing has drawn attention, as the auction also saw the inclusion of two Pakistan players. Mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed was acquired by Sunrisers Leeds for GBP 190,000 (approximately Rs 2.34 crore) following a competitive bidding process with Trent Rockets. This move is notable because Sunrisers Leeds is owned by the Chennai-based Sun Group, making Abrar the first Pakistan player to join an Indian-owned franchise in the competition. Another Pakistan spinner, Usman Tariq, was signed by Birmingham Phoenix for GBP 140,000 (around Rs 1.72 crore). However, Birmingham Phoenix does not have a direct connection to any IPL franchise. Several other prominent Pakistan players failed to attract bids during the auction. Fast bowler Haris Rauf, all-rounder Saim Ayub, and spinner Shadab Khan remained unsold, while seasoned pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi had previously withdrawn from the auction. Among the notable deals of the day, Sussex all-rounder James Coles secured the highest bid, joining London Spirit for GBP 390,000 (approximately Rs 4.8 crore). The upcoming edition of The Hundred is set to run from July 21 to August 16. For detailed match schedules, venues, and timings, fans can refer to the full IPL 2026 fixtures and team-wise match dates. The auction highlights the growing interest in international talent as teams aim to strengthen their squads for the upcoming season. The inclusion of Pakistan players like Abrar Ahmed and Usman Tariq underscores the competition’s appeal to global stars, despite challenges in securing bids for some high-profile names.#mustafizur_rahman #sunrisers_leeds #birmingham_phoenix #abrar_ahmed #sun_group

Nohid Rana becomes second Bangladeshi bowler to take 5-wicket haul in ODI against Pakistan Bangladeshi fast bowler Nohid Rana made history by claiming five wickets in a One Day International (ODI) against Pakistan, becoming the second Bangladeshi to achieve this feat in a match against the arch-rivals. The 24-year-old took 5/24 in the first ODI of the bilateral series, dismissing key Pakistan batters including Mohammad Rizwan and Sahibzada Farhan. His performance marked a significant milestone in his ODI career, which has seen him accumulate 10 wickets in six matches so far. Rana’s five-wicket haul came in a crucial phase of the innings, as Pakistan’s batting lineup struggled to cope with his pace and accuracy. The hosts managed only 114 runs in their allotted 50 overs, with Fazalhaq Farooqi scoring the highest of 37. Despite the low total, Pakistan’s top order managed to stay intact for most of the innings, with Farhan scoring 27 off 38 balls. Bangladesh’s pace attack, led by Rana, restricted Pakistan’s scoring opportunities effectively. This achievement places Rana in an exclusive club of Bangladeshi bowlers who have taken five or more wickets against Pakistan in ODIs. The previous record holder was Mustafizur Rahman, who achieved the feat in 2016. Rana’s performance also highlights his growing reputation as a key player for Bangladesh, with his career figures including 27 Test wickets at an average of 41.66 and 2 wickets in T20 internationals. The match result underscored Rana’s impact on the game, as Bangladesh’s bowlers restricted Pakistan to a low total. Rana’s ability to maintain pressure and deliver crucial breakthroughs has positioned him as a vital asset for the national team.#pakistan #bangladesh #mustafizur_rahman #nohid_rana #odi_series

Bangladesh opt to field, Pakistan hand four debuts Bangladesh captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz opted to field first against Pakistan in the first One-Day International (ODI) at Mirpur, selecting a three-man seam attack that included Nahid Rana alongside Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman. The home team made strategic changes to their batting order, replacing Soumya Sarkar with Tanzid Hasan while promoting Litton Das and Afif Hossain into the middle order. Pakistan entered the match with four debutant players, marking only the second occasion in ODI history since 1980 when the team fielded four new faces in a single match. The debutants were Sahibzada Farhan, Maaz Sadaqat, Shamyl Hussain, and Abdul Samad. Abrar Ahmed was named as the sole specialist spinner in the Pakistan lineup. Bangladesh's squad for the match included Saif Hassan, Tanzid Hasan, Towhid Hridoy, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Litton Das (wicketkeeper), Afif Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (captain), Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana, and Mustafizur Rahman. Pakistan's lineup featured Sahibzada Farhan, Maaz Sadaqat, Shamyl Hussain, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Salman Agha, Hussain Talat, Abdul Samad, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain), Mohammad Wasim, and Abrar Ahmed.#pakistan #bangladesh #mehidy_hasan_miraz #taskin_ahmed #mustafizur_rahman
