File photo of Mustafizur Rahman. The BCCI has asked Kolkata Knight Riders to release the fast bowler due to recent developments in Bangladesh.
| Photo Credit: Emmanual Yogini
The BCCI, on Saturday (January 3, 2026), officially directed the Kolkata Knight Riders to release Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from their squad for the 2026 IPL season.
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed the move, citing “recent developments all across” as the reason for the decision.
KKR had acquired the services of the 30-year-old left-armer for ₹9.20 crore after an intense bidding war with Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals at the players’ auction last month.
The BCCI said KKR will be allowed to name a replacement player if required.
There was a huge furore over the inclusion of Mustafizur Rahman in the IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders, co-owned by actor Shah Rukh Khan. It sparked controversy in Maharashtra as politicians and spiritual leaders criticised the actor.
Political parties slammed Shah Rukh Khan over the inclusion of the Bangladeshi fast bowler into the squad.
The pressure had been mounting on the BCCI over the participation of the Bangladesh cricketer amid recent killing of a Hindu man in the country and India’s expression of concern for the safety of minorities there.
Rahman has featured in eight IPL editions since 2016, missing the tournament only in 2019 and 2020.
He has played for teams such as Sunrisers Hyderabad, Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals, Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals. The upcoming edition was going to be his first for three-time IPL winners KKR.
Bilateral cricket uncertain
India and Bangladesh cricket boards had postponed a white-ball bilateral series last year. The Bangladesh Cricket Board on Friday (January 2, 2026) said the series will be played there in September this year.
However, the BCCI is non-committal on the schedule and is unlikely to agree to it given the volatile political situation in Bangladesh.
The relationship between two countries hit a rough note after the ouster of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India in August last year following anti-government protests.
She was sentenced to death in absentia by a tribunal this year for her alleged role in a deadly crackdown during the agitation in which several students were killed.
Dhaka summoned Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma five times over various issues, while India summoned Bangladesh’s High Commissioner Reaz Hamidullah once to express concerns over security in Bangladesh.
The transition, from what was widely regarded as an “India-friendly” Awami League government to Muhammad Yunus-led interim dispensation, significantly altered Bangladesh’s diplomatic position.
Dhaka’s engagement with Pakistan to deepen ties further complicated the regional equation.
(With inputs from PTI)
Published – January 03, 2026 11:10 am IST
