19 May, 2025 | 03:54 PM

Bangladesh allrounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz is set to join the Lahore Qalandars for the playoffs of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has granted him a no-objection certificate, and he is expected to arrive in Lahore by Tuesday, ahead of Qalandars’ Eliminator clash on Thursday.

Although the Qalandars' opponent in the Eliminator is yet to be confirmed, Mehidy is enthusiastic about the opportunity, even if it might be limited to just one game.

“Of course, it is exciting for me to join Lahore Qalandars,” Mehidy told ESPNcricinfo. “It is technically the second time I have got a call-up to a franchise league. Nonetheless, it is a good opportunity for me to compete at a very high level. PSL is one of the top tournaments going around. I have done well in the BPL in the past, so I am confident that I can give my best.”

The 26-year-old sees this PSL stint as a chance to reignite his T20 international career. He has not been named in Bangladesh’s ongoing T20I series against the UAE in Sharjah or the upcoming five-match T20I series in Pakistan.

“I can get myself up to the mark in T20s, so that I am prepared for the selection opportunities ahead,” Mehidy said. “Definitely, I want to get back into the Bangladesh [T20I] team, and this is one of the ways I can improve myself in the format.”

At Lahore Qalandars, Mehidy will reunite with long-time teammate Shakib Al Hasan, who joined the franchise earlier this week. However, Shakib’s return did not go as planned — he was dismissed for a golden duck and conceded 18 runs in two wicketless overs in his first match back, against Peshawar Zalmi.

Qalandars have been forced into late squad changes after the PSL resumed following a break due to heightened border tensions between Pakistan and India. Sikandar Raza rejoined the side but is only available for one match before leaving for Zimbabwe's one-off four-day Test against England. Overseas players David Wiese and Sam Billings have not returned, prompting Qalandars to bring in Shakib, Mehidy, and Sri Lanka’s Bhanuka Rajapaksa for the crucial playoff stage.

Earlier in the season, fellow Bangladesh players Rishad Hossain and Nahid Rana featured for Qalandars and Karachi Kings, respectively, while Litton Das also turned out for Kings before an injury forced him out.

With reinforcements arriving and playoff stakes high, Qalandars will hope Mehidy can make an immediate impact as they aim to keep their title hopes alive.