The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially instructed the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from their squad for the upcoming IPL 2026 season. The decision comes amid rising geo-political tensions and reported pressure regarding the inclusion of Bangladeshi players in the league.
BCCI Statement on Mustafizur Rahman’s Release
Speaking to news agency ANI on Saturday, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed the move, citing “recent developments” as the primary reason for the intervention.
“Due to the recent developments going on all across, BCCI has instructed the franchise KKR to release Mustafizur Rahman from their squad. BCCI has also clarified that if KKR requests a replacement player, the board will grant permission for the same,” Saikia stated.
Why was Mustafizur Rahman Released?
While the BCCI did not explicitly detail the “developments,” the decision follows a period of significant public and political discourse. Several Indian spiritual and political leaders had recently criticized KKR and owner Shah Rukh Khan for signing the Bangladeshi left-arm seamer.
These criticisms are linked to reports of unrest and attacks on Hindu minorities in Bangladesh. The move to release Mustafizur—who was the only Bangladesh cricketer secured in the 2026 auction—appears to be a response to these sensitivities.
Impact on KKR and Replacement Options
Mustafizur Rahman was a high-value acquisition for KKR, purchased for INR 9.2 crore during the late 2025 auction. His release leaves a gap in a revamped KKR bowling attack that includes:
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Akash Deep
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Matheesha Pathirana (Sri Lanka)
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Cameron Green (Australia)
KKR is now expected to seek a replacement player to bolster their pace department before the season begins.
Mustafizur Rahman’s IPL Career at a Glance
Mustafizur has been a staple of the IPL since his debut in 2016. Known for his “cutters” and death-bowling expertise, his career stats remain impressive: