Mohammad Kaif Backs BCCI Authority Amid Mustafizur Rahman-KKR Political Row

The controversy erupted following the IPL 2026 auction in December 2025, where Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) signed Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman for a record ₹9.20 crore. The move has been met with fierce opposition from several political and religious groups in India, citing recent reports of violence against Hindu minorities in Bangladesh.

Kaif’s Call for the “Waiting Game”

Speaking from Dubai on January 3, 2026, where he is currently serving as a commentator for the ILT20, Kaif emphasized that the situation is far too sensitive for premature reactions.

• Trust in Governance: Kaif stated that the final decision rests entirely with the BCCI. “They run the biggest leagues in the world and know what to do and how to do it,” he told reporters.
• Sensitivity Matters: Admitting his lack of complete information due to being abroad, Kaif refused to make sweeping statements. “I will not sit here and share an opinion because it is a sensitive issue. You should play the waiting game.”
• Avoid Jumping the Gun: He urged the media and public not to assume any outcomes before an official word from the governing body, noting that as of now, there has been no official “movement” regarding a ban on the ground.

The Background: Diplomatic Tensions vs. Sports

The backlash against KKR co-owner Shah Rukh Khan has intensified due to recent incidents in Bangladesh, including the tragic killing of Dipu Chandra Das, which has strained cross-border relations.

1. Political Outcry: Leaders from the BJP and other groups have labeled the signing as “insensitive,” with some even calling for a total boycott of Bangladeshi players in the 2026 season.
2. BCCI’s Current Stance: As of January 2, 2026, BCCI sources have clarified that they have received no official communication or directive from the Indian government to bar Bangladeshi players. For now, Mustafizur Rahman remains a registered player for KKR.
3. The Auction War: KKR was not the only team interested in the pacer; they won an intense bidding war against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to secure his services.

Mustafizur Rahman’s IPL Journey