PSL 2026: Mustafizur Rahman Ruled Out Of A Comeback As BCB Prioritises Injury Management Ahead Of Key Test Series In May

Bangladesh pace spearhead Mustafizur Rahman will not return to Pakistan to rejoin Lahore Qalandars for the remainder of the PSL 2026 season after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) revoked his No Objection Certificate on medical grounds.

The left-arm fast bowler had featured in five matches for the Qalandars before returning home for Bangladesh's ODI series against New Zealand. Although initially expected to be available again for his franchise, his injury management plan has now ruled out any further participation in the tournament.

According to a report by Cricbuzz, the BCB's decision comes as part of workload control and fitness management for the senior pacer, who has been dealing with injury concerns in recent weeks.

Mustafizur Rahman's Brilliant Comeback Against The Kiwis

Mustafizur's return to

international duty proved impactful despite earlier fitness doubts. After resting for the first two ODIs against New Zealand, he made a decisive comeback in the series finale on April 23, delivering a brilliant spell of 5 for 43 in nine overs.

His performance helped Bangladesh bowl out New Zealand for 210, sealing a 55-run victory and clinching the ODI series 2-1.

Despite this strong showing, the BCB opted to rest him for the upcoming T20I series, prioritising long-term fitness ahead of a busy international calendar, including key home assignments against Pakistan.

Nahid Rana Also Rested By BCB

Fellow fast bowler Nahid Rana has also been managed cautiously by the BCB after his PSL stint with Peshawar Zalmi. Having played four matches in the tournament, he returned to national duty and impressed in the ODI series against New Zealand, finishing with seven wickets and earning the Player of the Series award.

However, like Mustafizur, Rana has been left out of the T20I squad as the board looks to keep him fresh for the upcoming Test series against Pakistan in May.

With both pacers being carefully rotated between franchise and international commitments, Bangladesh appear focused on preserving their key fast bowlers for long-term assignments rather than risking further injury setbacks in ongoing leagues.