The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially directed the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman from their squad ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season.
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed the move, citing the “recent developments all across” as the primary reason for the board’s intervention.
The decision follows a period of intense public and political pressure on the franchise and its co-owner, Shah Rukh Khan. The controversy erupted after KKR acquired Rahman for ₹9.20 crore during the mini-auction in Abu Dhabi last month, outbidding Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Critics, including several political figures from the BJP and Shiv Sena, argued that signing a Bangladeshi player was insensitive given the reported violence and targeted killings of the Hindu minority in Bangladesh, including the widely reported death of Dipu Chandra Das in Mymensingh.
BCCI Secretary Saikia clarified that while Rahman must be released, KKR will not be left short-handed. The board has granted the franchise permission to seek a replacement player to fill the vacancy in their roster. Saikia stated, “Due to the recent developments which is going on all across, BCCI has instructed the franchisee KKR to release one of their player Mustafizur Rahman… and BCCI has also said that if they ask for any replacement, BCCI is going to allow that replacement.”
Despite the friction regarding the IPL, Saikia did not comment on the broader bilateral cricketing ties. India is currently scheduled to tour Bangladesh in late August 2026 for a series consisting of three ODIs and three T20Is. The series had previously been rescheduled due to civil unrest in the neighboring country, but the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) recently announced that the Indian team is expected to arrive in Dhaka on August 28.
Mustafizur Rahman, a seasoned campaigner with 60 IPL appearances and 65 wickets to his name, was the only Bangladeshi player to find a buyer in the 2026 auction. He had previously received a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from the BCB to participate in the full tournament. However, this latest directive from the BCCI effectively ends his stint with the Kolkata-based franchise before the season begins.
Quick Facts: Mustafizur Rahman’s IPL Journey
- Auction Price (2026): ₹9.20 Crore (KKR)
- Total IPL Matches: 60
- Total IPL Wickets: 65
- Past Teams: Sunrisers Hyderabad, Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals, Delhi Capitals, and Chennai Super Kings.