In a major development ahead of the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has directed the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to immediately release Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from their squad.
The instruction, confirmed by BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia on Saturday, comes amid a mounting political storm in India regarding recent violence against Hindu minorities in Bangladesh.
Key Developments
* Official Directive: BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia stated that “recent developments going on all across” prompted the board to instruct KKR to release the pacer.
* Political Pressure: The decision follows intense backlash from political leaders and religious organizations. Notable figures, including BJP and Shiv Sena leaders, had publicly criticized KKR co-owner Shah Rukh Khan for signing a Bangladeshi player while bilateral relations are strained.
* Auction Context: KKR had acquired Mustafizur Rahman in the December 2025 mini-auction for a significant sum INR 9.20 crore after a competitive bidding war with Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals.
* Replacement Allowed: The BCCI has clarified that KKR will be permitted to seek an overseas replacement to fill the vacancy in their roster.
Context of the Controversy
The removal of Mustafizur—the only Bangladeshi player picked in the 2026 auction—marks a rare instance of the governing body intervening in franchise roster management for non-cricketing reasons. Relations between India and Bangladesh have deteriorated following the death of a Hindu man in Mymensingh last month and subsequent reports of communal violence.
Religious leaders and political activists had threatened to disrupt matches in Kolkata if a Bangladeshi player remained in the squad. While the BCCI initially maintained that there was no official ban on Bangladeshi cricketers, the latest directive suggests a shift toward a “precautionary stance” to ensure the stability of the tournament.
- What This Means for KKR
Kolkata Knight Riders now face the challenge of finding a high-quality left-arm pacer on short notice. Mustafizur was expected to be a pillar of their bowling attack, especially given his extensive IPL experience since 2016. (Newswire)