Bangladesh left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman returned to the Indian Premier League spotlight after being sold to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for Rs 9.20 crore at the IPL 2026 mini-auction in Abu Dhabi. The experienced seamer entered the auction at a base price of Rs 2 crorebut a fierce bidding battle—primarily between KKR and Chennai Super Kings (CSK)—pushed his price significantly higher before KKR had the final say.
CSK vs KKR bidding battle
CSK, who had previously utilised Mustafizur during the IPL 2024 seasonshowed strong interest in bringing the Bangladesh pacer back into their setup. However, KKR aggressively raised the paddle, eventually outbidding CSK at Rs 9.20 croresecuring one of the most experienced left-arm fast bowlers in IPL history.
The signing adds proven international quality and variation to KKR’s pace attack ahead of the 2026 season.
Mustafizur Rahman’s IPL career at a glance
Across 60 IPL matchesMustafizur Rahman has established himself as a reliable wicket-taker, particularly effective in the powerplay and death overs.
- Matches: 60
- Wickets: 65
- Bowling average: 28.45
- Economy rate: 8.13
- Best figures: 4/29
A decorated IPL journey
Mustafizur burst onto the IPL scene in 2016 with Sunrisers Hyderabadplaying a key role in their title-winning campaign. That season remains historic, as he became the only overseas player to win the IPL Emerging Player of the Tournament award.
Over the years, he has represented multiple franchises:
- Sunrisers Hyderabad: 2016–2017
- Mumbai Indians: 2018
- Delhi Capitals: 2022–2023, replacement in 2025
- Rajasthan Royals: 2021
- Chennai Super Kings: 2024
During the IPL 2024 season with CSKMustafizur made an immediate impact, picking up 14 wickets in nine matches before leaving mid-season for national duty. In IPL 2025he featured briefly for Delhi Capitals as a replacement player.
Why KKR went big for Mustafizur
KKR’s decision to invest heavily in Mustafizur reflects their focus on experience, left-arm variation, and death-overs control. His cutters, slower balls, and ability to operate on flat pitches make him a valuable option in high-pressure situations.
With CSK narrowly missing out, KKR now add a proven IPL performer to their bowling unit, hoping Mustafizur’s experience can make an immediate impact in IPL 2026.
The Rs 9.20 crore deal underlines that even after a decade in the league, Mustafizur Rahman remains one of the most sought-after overseas fast bowlers in the IPL.
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