IPL 2026: BCCI Asks KKR to Release Bangladeshi Pacer Mustafizur Rahman

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has instructed the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from their squad ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, citing recent developments in Bangladesh that have raised serious concerns.

Confirming the decision, BCCI secretary Devajit Lon Saikia stated that the move was taken in light of reports of violence against Hindus in Bangladesh. He added that the board has granted KKR permission to sign a replacement player once Rahman is formally released from the squad.

“In view of the prevailing situation, BCCI has advised KKR to release Mustafizur Rahman. The franchise will be allowed to bring in a replacement player if they choose to do so,” Saikia said.

Rahman had been picked up by KKR during the mini-auction held in Abu Dhabi for a sum of Rs 9.20 crore following a competitive bidding battle with Chennai Super Kings. However, the decision to sign the Bangladesh pacer sparked backlash in recent days, with criticism mounting against the franchise and its co-owner Shah Rukh Khan amid strained diplomatic and social tensions between India and Bangladesh.

Several leaders from the BJP and Shiv Sena publicly questioned KKR’s decision, arguing that national sentiment should have been taken into account. The criticism intensified following the killing of Dipu Chandra Das, a Hindu man, in Mymensingh last month, along with reports of other incidents targeting the Hindu community in Bangladesh. BJP leader Sangeet Som had earlier made controversial remarks, calling Shah Rukh Khan a “traitor” for backing the signing.

Despite the development, the BCCI refrained from commenting on India’s upcoming tour of Bangladesh, scheduled for September 2026. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) announced on Friday that India will play three ODIs and three T20Is, with the team set to arrive in Dhaka on August 28. The series had originally been slated for August last year but was postponed due to unrest in the country.

Following his selection by KKR, Rahman had earlier received a no-objection certificate from the BCB, allowing him to skip Bangladesh’s home series against New Zealand and remain available for the IPL.

In the IPL 2025 season, the left-arm pacer represented Delhi Capitals as a replacement player, featuring in three matches and claiming four wickets. Over his IPL career, Rahman has played 60 matches, taking 65 wickets. He has previously turned out for Sunrisers Hyderabad, Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals, Delhi Capitals and Chennai Super Kings.

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