ISLAMABAD (AP) — A Pakistan club has signed the Bangladesh fast bowler whose removal from the Indian Premier League sparked the crisis at the Twenty20 World Cup.

Lahore Qalandars signed Mustafizur Rahman for $230,000 in a draft that allows Pakistan Super League franchises to select one player before the Feb. 11 auction.

Mustafizur was bought for $1 million by the IPL's Kolkata Knight Riders, but on Jan. 3 the Board of Control for Cricket in India ordered Kolkata to release Mustafizur without a public explanation but amid regional tensions.

That outraged Bangladesh and the cricket board asked to shift its T20 World Cup games from India to co-host Sri Lanka because of “security concerns.” The International Cricket Council refused, rejected the reason, and cut Bangladesh from the tournament.

The Pakistan Cricket Board, which supported Bangladesh, accused the ICC of double standards and its government ordered Pakistan not to play India in the T20 World Cup which starts on Saturday. Pakistan-India matches are huge money-spinners for the ICC.

Mustafizur was drafted by Lahore for a third time since the PSL started in 2016.

“Once a Qalandar, always a Qalandar,” Lahore owner Sameen Rana said in a statement. “Mustafizur is not just a player; he’s a brother, a key part of our family who never left … his talent, experience, and dedication will be invaluable as we aim to defend our title.”

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AP cricket: https://apnews.com/hub/cricket

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AP) — Cristiano Ronaldo was absent from Al-Nassr’s Saudi Pro League match against Al Riyadh on Monday amid reports he is on strike over the club’s lack of transfer activity.

Portuguese media outlet A Bola reported that the five-time Ballon d’Or winner is unhappy that Al-Nassr, which is backed by Saudi Arabia's Public Investement Fund, has not strengthened its squad as it challenges for the league title.

Heading into the game, Al-Nassr was second behind rival Al Hilal, which is also backed by the PIF and has been linked with Ronaldo's former Real Madrid teammate Karim Benzema.

Al-Nassr CEO Jose Semedo declined to comment, according to Saudi media.

The 40-year-old Ronaldo has scored 17 goals this season.

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AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer