BCCI Directs KKR to Release Bangladeshi Pacer Mustafizur Rahman from 2026 IPL Squad

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Saturday directed the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from their squad for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season, citing developments linked to the current situation in Bangladesh and attacks on Hindus.

Confirming the decision, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia stated that the board had instructed the franchise to offload the left-arm pacer and would permit KKR to sign a replacement. “Due to the recent developments which are going on all across, the BCCI has instructed the franchise KKR to release one of their players, Mustafizur Rahman of Bangladesh, from their squad,” Saikia said. “If they ask for a replacement, the BCCI is going to allow that replacement.”

KKR had secured Mustafizur at the mini-auction in Abu Dhabi for ₹9.20 crore after an intense bidding war involving Delhi Capitals and Chennai Super Kings, making him the most expensive Bangladeshi player in the league’s history. However, the signing drew mounting political and public criticism in recent days amid reports of violence against Hindus in Bangladesh and a deterioration in bilateral sentiment. Several political leaders and some people at large publicly criticised KKR and the franchise’s co-owner Shah Rukh Khan, accusing the team of ignoring national sentiment. BJP leader Sangeet Som had earlier labelled Khan a “gaddar (traitor)” for backing the signing.

Saikia did not comment on India’s scheduled tour of Bangladesh in September 2026, where the national side is due to play three ODIs and three T20Is. The tour was earlier postponed due to unrest and rescheduled by the Bangladesh Cricket Board, which had also issued Mustafizur a no-objection certificate to miss a home series against New Zealand and be available for the IPL.

Mustafizur Rahaman last featured in the IPL in 2025 as a replacement player for Delhi Capitals, where he took four wickets in three matches. Overall, he has played 60 IPL games, claiming 65 wickets, and has previously represented Sunrisers Hyderabad, Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals, Delhi Capitals and Chennai Super Kings.​