BCCI directs KKR to release Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman ahead of IPL 2026 amid political backlash and communal tensions.
In a major development ahead of IPL 2026, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has instructed Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from their squad. The decision was confirmed by BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia on Saturday, following reports of communal violence in Bangladesh targeting Hindu communities.
“Due to the ongoing incidents in Bangladesh, BCCI has directed KKR to release Mustafizur Rahman. The franchise is allowed to sign a replacement player once Rahman is removed from the squad,” Saikia told ANI.
Controversy Surrounding Mustafizur Rahman ’s Inclusion
KKR had acquired the left-arm pacer for INR 9.20 crore during the Abu Dhabi mini-auction, winning a competitive bidding war against Chennai Super Kings (CSK). However, the pick sparked political backlash, with several leaders from the BJP and Shiv Sena criticizing the franchise and co-owner Shah Rukh Khan for signing a Bangladeshi player amidst strained India-Bangladesh relations.
BJP leader Sangeet Som even referred to Shah Rukh Khan as a “gaddar (traitor)” for the move, highlighting the growing calls to drop Rahman from the team. Rahman’s inclusion became increasingly controversial following the death of Dipu Chandra Das, a Hindu man in Mymensingh, and other reported incidents of violence against Hindus in Bangladesh.
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Rahman’s IPL Journey
Mustafizur Rahman, who debuted in the IPL with Sunrisers Hyderabad, has also represented Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals, Delhi Capitals, and Chennai Super Kings. In IPL 2025, he played for Delhi Capitals as a replacement player, featuring in three matches and picking up four wickets. Overall, Rahman has played 60 IPL matches, claiming 65 wickets.
Prior to IPL 2026, Rahman had received a no-objection certificate from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to skip home matches against New Zealand, ensuring his full availability for the tournament.
India-Bangladesh Cricket Relations
The BCCI did not comment on the upcoming India tour of Bangladesh, scheduled for September 2026, featuring three ODIs and three T20Is. The Bangladesh Cricket Board announced that India will arrive in Dhaka on August 28. This series, initially planned for August 2025, was postponed due to unrest in Bangladesh.
The release of Mustafizur Rahman by KKR underscores the delicate balance between cricketing commitments and political sensitivities in the region. KKR is now expected to announce a replacement player ahead of the start of IPL 2026.
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