The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has directed Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from their squad ahead of the IPL 2026 season.
The decision was confirmed by BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, who said the board had formally informed the franchise and would allow them to sign a replacement player if they choose to do so.
KKR has made it clear that it has released Mustafizur Rahman from the squad.
#BreakingNews | BCCI asks Shah Rukh Khan and KKR to release Mustafizur Rahman, allows replacement ahead of IPL 2026 amid Bangladesh riots and minority killings@Mid_Carder @payalmehta100 shares further details@_pallavighosh live from Dhaka shares more details#Cricket #IPL… pic.twitter.com/VfXPPZs5Lw
— News18 (@CNNnews18) January 3, 2026
The move comes after growing public and political pressure surrounding the inclusion of the Bangladeshi cricketer in the league.
Mustafizur, a 30-year-old left-arm fast bowler and a key player for Bangladesh, was picked up by KKR during last month’s IPL auction for Rs 9.20 crore. His base price was Rs 2 crore, but an aggressive bidding battle involving Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals pushed the amount much higher. KKR saw him as an experienced overseas bowler who could strengthen their pace attack for the upcoming season.
Just after the signing, the decision sparked controversy beyond cricket. Several political voices, including members of the Bharatiya Janata Party, along with some religious groups, raised objections to the presence of a Bangladeshi player in a Kolkata-based franchise.
The backlash was linked to the strained relations between India and Bangladesh and reports of unrest and violence in the neighbouring country. Concerns over the safety of minorities in Bangladesh, especially after the recent killing of a Hindu man, Dipu Chandra Das, further added fuel to the debate. The BCCI stepped in to address the situation.
Explaining the reason behind the call, Saikia said the decision was taken because of “recent developments all across.” He made it clear that the board’s instruction was final, but also reassured KKR that they would not be left short-handed. If the franchise requests a replacement player, the BCCI will approve it.
This began as a routine auction signing soon turned into a sensitive issue involving politics, public sentiment and diplomacy. With this decision, the BCCI has signalled its intent to keep the league away from rising tensions, even as it highlights how closely sport and larger national issues can sometimes overlap.
