Four Bangladeshi Players Make Headlines in the 2026 Pakistan Super League

Bangladesh’s presence in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) is set to grow this year, as four cricketers from the South Asian nation secured spots with franchises in the PSL 2026 auction, marking a significant moment for Bangladesh cricket. The tournament, scheduled from March 26 to May 3, will feature an expanded format and attract international attention as Pakistan’s premier franchise competition.

The inclusion of multiple Bangladeshi players reflects both their growing talent and increasing demand in franchise cricket leagues. While Bangladesh’s national side continues to compete internationally, these franchise contracts offer players exposure to high-pressure environments, diverse playing conditions, and opportunities to sharpen their skills alongside top global talent.

Bangladesh Cricketers in the PSL 2026 Auction

The PSL 2026 player auction introduced a historic switch from the traditional draft system to a full auction format, where players were bid on by franchise teams. A total of 903 cricketers, including 53 from Bangladesh, were registered for the auction, showcasing the depth of interest from Bangladeshi players to participate on the global T20 stage.

1. Rishad Hossain – Leg-Spinner Signed by Rawalpindi Express

Leg-spinner Rishad Hossain emerged as the headline Bangladeshi signing at the auction, securing a lucrative contract with Rawalpindi Express for PKR 30 million (Pakistani rupees). After impressive performances for Lahore Qalandars in the previous PSL season,  including taking 13 wickets in seven matches Rishad was the subject of a bidding battle between franchises before Rawalpindi secured his services.

At just 23, Rishad’s signing marks a milestone: he becomes one of the few Bangladeshi bowlers to secure a lucrative PSL contract through the auction system. His leg–spin variations and ability to control the middle overs have drawn attention beyond Bangladesh’s T20 leagues.

2. Mustafizur Rahman – Direct Signing with Lahore Qalandars

Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman did not go through the auction but was signed directly by the Lahore Qalandars for PKR 6.44 crore (about BDT 2.81 crore), making him the highest-paid Bangladeshi in the competition so far.

Mustafizur’s inclusion comes after being removed from the IPL. Known for his deceptive cutters and variations, “Fizz” has been a coveted T20 specialist, having played across leagues including the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) and the Indian Premier League (IPL).

His return to the Qalandars side not only strengthens their bowling attack but also highlights how Bangladeshi pacers are valued for their specialized T20 skills on foreign pitches.

3. Nahid Rana – Emerging Fast Bowler

Fast bowler Nahid Rana also found a place in the PSL, signing with Peshawar Zalmi at his base price of PKR 60 lakh after initially going unsold in the first phase.

Despite limited exposure at the international level, Nahid’s pace and potential have attracted franchise interest, providing him an opportunity to develop against top quality batting lineups. This exposure could prove pivotal in enhancing Bangladesh’s future pace bowling resources.

4. Parvez Hossain Emon – Wicketkeeper-Batter’s PSL Debut

Wicketkeeper-batter Parvez Hossain Emon is set for his PSL debut after signing with Lahore Qalandars. Like Nahid, Parvez was initially unpicked but later joined the league at his base price of PKR 60 lakh.

Parvez has been in strong domestic form and has made occasional appearances in Bangladesh’s national T20 team. His PSL contract offers a valuable chance to showcase his batting and wicketkeeping skills on a larger stage, boosting his confidence and career prospects.

Notable Names Who Went Unsold

Several high-profile Bangladeshi cricketers were listed in the PSL 2026 auction but did not attract bids at the event. These include:

• Shakib Al Hasan – veteran all-rounder with extensive T20 credentials
• Mehidy Hasan Miraz – experienced all-rounder
• Liton Das – wicketkeeper-batter and former Bangladesh captain
• Zakir Hasan – Middle-order batter.

Despite their reputations and prior franchise experience, these names remain popular in domestic and international cricket, and future PSL seasons may see renewed interest depending on form and team requirements.

Bangladesh’s Broader PSL Involvement

The representation of Bangladeshi players in PSL 2026 is part of a broader trend of increasing participation in franchise T20 leagues globally. Recent reports indicate that around 50 Bangladeshi cricketers registered for PSL 11, making Bangladesh one of the leading source nations behind Pakistan and South Africa.

This trend reflects the growing stature of Bangladeshi players and the wider demand for their skills in competitive T20 environments. Participation in the PSL exposes players to different playing conditions and competitive strategies, which can translate into improved performances for Bangladesh in international cricket.

Importance of PSL Exposure for Bangladesh Cricket

For Bangladesh cricket, PSL contracts offer multiple benefits:

1. Skill Development

Playing in a high-intensity league provides match practice against experienced international cricketers, helping young players refine their bowling, batting, and fielding under pressure.

2. Tactical Growth

Franchise cricket requires adaptability and strategic thinking — skills that are highly transferable to international competitions like the ICC T20 World Cup and Asia Cup.

3. Financial Incentives

Lucrative contracts from PSL increase player motivation and financial security, enabling athletes to focus on fitness and performance without financial distraction.

4. Talent Recognition

Success on the PSL stage can elevate a player’s global profile, leading to future opportunities in other leagues such as the Big Bash League (BBL), Lanka Premier League (LPL), or Caribbean Premier League (CPL).

A New Format and Opportunities

PSL 2026 introduces several changes compared with prior editions, notably the shift from a draft to a full auction format, allowing franchises to bid competitively for players. This system increases transparency and creates a more dynamic marketplace for talent acquisition.

The season has introduced two more franchise , , will run for over a month. With eight teams competing in a league-plus-playoffs format. As the league grows, it continues to attract a broad range of international stars alongside emerging talents making it one of the most watched T20 competitions outside of the Indian Premier League.

What This Means for Bangladesh Cricket

The involvement of Bangladeshi players in PSL 2026 is both a milestone and a stepping stone. For players like Rishad Hossain and Mustafizur Rahman, high-value contracts validate their T20 expertise. For players like Parvez Hossain Emon and Nahid Rana, PSL exposure opens doors to accelerated growth.

Domestic cricket administrators, including the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), have increasingly granted No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to players choosing to play in foreign franchise leagues, recognising the developmental benefits.

As Bangladesh continues to balance national commitments with global franchise opportunities, PSL involvement is expected to play a key role in shaping the next generation of cricketers.

A New Chapter for Bangladeshi Players in PSL

Bangladeshi representation in the 2026 Pakistan Super League highlights the nation’s rising stature in T20 franchise cricket. From seasoned campaigners like Mustafizur Rahman to exciting prospects such as Parvez Hossain Emon, these contracts signify opportunity, exposure, and progress.

In the months ahead, PSL 2026 will not only entertain cricket fans but also act as a proving ground for Bangladesh’s stars on the international franchise stage potentially impacting their national performances and contributing to the broader growth of the sport in Bangladesh.