Mustafizur Rahman denied Permission to play in PSL

20-year-old Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman has been denied permission to feature in the upcoming edition of the Pakistan Super League scheduled to begin in mid-February. The left-arm pacer had been sidelined for a while following a shoulder injury. It has been reported that the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has indeed denied permission to Rahman as they intend to keep the youngster fit for the upcoming Asia Cup.

Mustafizur was among the four others selected to play in the PSL. Bangladesh skipper and all-rounder Shakib-al-Hasan (Karachi Kings), Tamim Iqbal (Peshawar Zalm) and wicket-keeper batsman Mushfiqur Rahim (also Karachi Kings) are the others who will feature in the PSL. Mustafizur, who would have turned out for the Lahore Qalandars was the only Bangladeshi player on the list who failed to receive an NOC (No Objection Certificate) from his board.

A statement from Mustafizur Rahim read, “I think whatever the decision the board (BCB) has taken is for my betterment. I need to get back my full fitness. At the moment, I am much better. But you cannot determine where you stand unless you bowl in match conditions,” added Mustafizur, who has been the most prolific Bangladeshi pacer since making a sensational ODI debut against India last year.”

Mustafizur has had shoulder issues lately and also had been left out of the final two T20s against Zimbabwe. Ironically, Zimbabwe won the final two T20s, thus squaring the series 2-2.

Shakib, Mushfiqur and Tamim Iqbal have all left the country to participate in the Pakistan Super League. The PSL is scheduled to begin on the 4^th of February with the first fixture between Islamabad United and Quetta Gladiators.