Bangladesh’s leading pacer Mustafizur Rahman has been signed by Birmingham Phoenix for the 2026 season of The Hundred 2026, England’s innovative 100-ball cricket competition. The left-arm fast bowler was acquired at the base price of £100,000, equivalent to approximately ৳1.64 crore in Bangladeshi taka.
Selected at his base price during the London auction, Mustafizur will make his debut in this fast-paced tournament. At 30, he brings international experience and proven death-over expertise, adding both pace and strategic versatility to Birmingham Phoenix’s bowling attack.
Bangladeshi Representation
This year, two Bangladeshi cricketers were included in the final auction list: Mustafizur Rahman and spinner Rishad Hossain. While Mustafizur successfully secured a franchise, Rishad, who remained in the spinner category, went unsold. The auction, held at Piccadilly Lights in Central London, involved eight franchises competing for both domestic and international talent for the fifth edition of the tournament.
Birmingham Phoenix Squad Composition
Mustafizur joins a well-rounded squad combining experienced international players with emerging talent. Key teammates include England’s Jacob Bethell and Chris Wood, Pakistan’s Usman Tariq, and South Africa’s Donovan Ferreira. The squad aims to mount a competitive campaign in the 100-ball format.
Auction Financial Details
| Player | Franchise | Auction Price (£) | Approx. BDT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mustafizur Rahman | Birmingham Phoenix | 100,000 | 1.64 crore |
| Rishad Hossain | N/A | N/A | N/A |
The fifth edition of The Hundred is scheduled to begin on 21 July 2026, with matches held at multiple venues across England. Mustafizur’s selection represents a significant milestone for Bangladeshi cricket, making him one of the few national players to participate in this innovative 100-ball format.
Franchise officials expressed excitement over the signing, highlighting Mustafizur’s ability to deliver crucial breakthroughs, particularly in the death overs. Given the tournament’s emphasis on versatile bowlers, he is expected to be a key asset for Birmingham Phoenix.
For Bangladesh cricket fans, his inclusion offers another opportunity to showcase national talent on the global stage, further cementing the country’s growing presence in international franchise cricket, across both T20 and 100-ball formats.