Highest Price for a Bangladeshi Cricketer: Mustafizur Sold for INR 9.20 Crore at IPL Auction
Mustafizur Sets New Record in Kolkata: A Historic IPL Moment at INR 9.20 Crore as KKR Beat CSK
Mustafizur Breaks Records in Kolkata–Chennai Bidding Battle
Bangladesh left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman became the most talked-about name at this year’s IPL auction. After an intense bidding war between Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders, it was Kolkata who had the last laugh.
The Shah Rukh Khan-owned franchise secured Mustafizur for INR 9.20 crore, the highest price ever paid for a Bangladeshi cricketer in IPL history. The historic moment took place during the 19th IPL mini-auction, held on Tuesday (December 16) in the United Arab Emirates.
Dramatic Bidding in the Final Moments
At one stage, it appeared that the bidding would conclude at INR 4.60 crore, as neither team raised the paddle for several seconds. However, just before the auctioneer’s hammer came down, the contest reignited dramatically.
The bid amount rose rapidly as both Chennai and Kolkata repeatedly took time to consult before increasing their offers. Eventually, the fierce contest ended at INR 9.20 crore, with Kolkata Knight Riders emerging victorious.
Mustafizur’s Experienced IPL Journey
The upcoming IPL season will be Mustafizur Rahman’s ninth appearance in the tournament and his sixth franchise overall. Previously, he has represented Sunrisers Hyderabad, Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals, Delhi Capitals, and Chennai Super Kings.
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In eight IPL seasons, the Bangladeshi pacer has played 60 matches, claiming 65 wickets with an economy rate of 8.13, highlighting his effectiveness in the T20 format.
Breaking His Own Record
Interestingly, the previous record for the highest IPL salary earned by a Bangladeshi player also belonged to Mustafizur. Last season, Delhi Capitals signed him for INR 6 crore as a replacement player. Before that, the highest auction price for a Bangladeshi cricketer was held by Mashrafe Bin Mortaza, who was bought by Kolkata in 2009 for USD 600,000. This year, Mustafizur shattered all previous records by crossing the INR 9 crore mark.
Form, Expectations, and Challenges Ahead
Currently, Mustafizur is active in the ILT20 League, where he is playing for Dubai Capitals and has taken six wickets in four matches. His consistent performances in T20 cricket over a long period fueled strong interest at the auction.
Although concerns existed due to Bangladesh’s home series against New Zealand during the IPL window, franchises still showed full confidence in him. The IPL is set to begin on March 26, and for the first time, Mustafizur Rahman will take the field wearing the Kolkata Knight Riders jersey, with expectations running high among fans.