BCCI directs KKR to release Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from squad

The BCCI on Saturday asked the Kolkata Knight Riders to release Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from their squad ahead of the 2026 IPL season, citing increasing strain in bilateral relations between the two nations.

KKR had secured the 30-year-old left-arm pacer for ₹9.20 crore at last month's players' auction, following a fierce bidding contest with Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals. His base price was ₹2 crore.

The BCCI also clarified that KKR would be permitted to rope in a replacement player if necessary. "The BCCI has asked Kolkata Knight Riders to release Mustafizur Rahman from its squad. They can ask for replacement, if needed. And upon request, BCCI will allow a replacement player," BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia told PTI.

Asked why the BCCI has asked Kolkata Knight Riders to do so, he replied, "Because of recent developments all across."

Earlier, leaders from the BJP and the Shiv Sena said they opposed the inclusion of Rahman in the IPL, citing reports of attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh. BJP leader Sangeet Som alleged that signing players from Bangladesh amounted to "betrayal", while Shiv Sena leader Krishna Hegde urged the IPL Governing Council and the BCCI to bar players from countries where atrocities against Hindus were allegedly taking place.

In a statement, KKR said it acted on the instruction from the BCCI. "Kolkata Knight Riders confirms that BCCI/IPL as the regulator of IPL has instructed it to release Mustafizur Rahman from the squad ahead of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season. The release has been carried out following due process and consultations, upon the instruction of the Board of Control of Cricket in India," said KKR.

Congress leader and Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor came down strongly against the BCCI’s decision, stating that mindless politicisation of the game is unhealthy and detrimental to sport. "Recalling my views on the subject, now that BCCI has deplorably pulled the plug on Mustafizur Rahman. And what if the Bangladeshi player in question had been Litton Das or Soumya Sarkar? Who are we punishing here: a nation, an individual, his religion? Where will this mindless politicising of sport lead us?" Tharoor said in a post on X. 

Pressure had been mounting on the BCCI over Rahman's participation after the recent killing of a Hindu man in the country and India's expression of concern for the safety of minorities there. The criticism has also extended to KKR co-owner and Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, with some politicians from the ruling BJP questioning the call to include the bowler in the current scenario.

Rahman has featured in eight IPL editions since 2016, missing the tournament only in 2019 and 2020. He has played for teams such as Sunrisers Hyderabad, Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals, Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals. The upcoming edition was going to be his first for three-time IPL winners KKR.