The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has formally directed Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from their squad ahead of the IPL 2026 season, citing recent developments linked to rising tensions between India and Bangladesh.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed the decision on Saturday, stating that the board had taken the step after reviewing the prevailing situation and its wider implications.
“Given the current developments, BCCI has asked KKR to release Mustafizur Rahman. The franchise will be allowed to sign a replacement player once the release is completed,” Saikia told ANI.
₹9.20 Crore Signing Ends in Controversy
KKR had signed Mustafizur Rahman for ₹9.20 crore during the IPL mini-auction in Abu Dhabi, emerging victorious in a bidding war against Chennai Super Kings (CSK). The move, however, quickly snowballed into controversy amid reports of attacks on Hindu minorities in Bangladesh.
Public backlash intensified following the killing of Dipu Chandra Das, a Hindu man, in Mymensingh last month, along with multiple reports of violence targeting Hindus in the neighbouring country. As tensions escalated, KKR and co-owner Shah Rukh Khan came under sharp political scrutiny.
Leaders from the BJP and Shiv Sena openly criticised the franchise, questioning the timing of the signing and urging KKR to consider national sentiment. BJP leader Sangeet Som went a step further, calling Shah Rukh Khan a “gaddar (traitor)” for backing the deal.
BCCI Clears Way for Replacement
While ordering Rahman’s release, the BCCI has made it clear that KKR will be permitted to sign a replacement overseas player, ensuring the franchise does not suffer a squad imbalance ahead of IPL 2026.
Notably, Saikia refrained from commenting on India’s scheduled tour of Bangladesh in September 2026, where the teams are slated to play three ODIs and three T20Is. The series had earlier been postponed due to political unrest, with the Indian team expected to arrive in Dhaka on August 28, as per the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB).
NOC Granted, But Future Uncertain
Before the controversy erupted, the BCB had granted Mustafizur Rahman a No Objection Certificate (NOC), allowing him to skip a home series against New Zealand to be available for the IPL in full.
Despite that clearance, the escalating political pressure eventually led to the BCCI’s intervention, underlining how off-field developments can directly impact cricketing decisions.
Interesting Reads
Mustafizur Rahman’s IPL Numbers
Mustafizur Rahman featured in the IPL 2025 season for Delhi Capitals, playing three matches and picking up four wickets as a replacement player.
Overall, the left-arm pacer has played 60 IPL matches, claiming 65 wickets, and has previously represented Sunrisers Hyderabad, Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals, Delhi Capitals, and Chennai Super Kings.
With KKR now forced to reshuffle their overseas combination, the episode highlights how geopolitics continues to cast a long shadow over sport—just months ahead of another high-stakes IPL season.
