The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Saturday directed Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from their squad for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed the development to news agency ANI, citing recent incidents in Bangladesh as the reason behind the decision.
Saikia stated that the board took the call following reports of violence, including the killing of several members of the Hindu community in Bangladesh. He further clarified that KKR would be permitted to sign a replacement player once Rahman is officially released from the squad.
“Considering the recent developments taking place, BCCI has instructed the franchise KKR to release their player Mustafizur Rahman from the squad. If the franchise seeks a replacement, BCCI will allow them to do so,” Saikia said.
KKR had acquired Rahman during the mini-auction held in Abu Dhabi for INR 9.20 crore after an intense bidding battle involving Delhi Capitals and Chennai Super Kings, with the Kolkata-based franchise emerging successful. However, the signing had sparked controversy in recent days amid strained diplomatic relations between India and Bangladesh.
Both KKR and co-owner Shah Rukh Khan faced criticism from political leaders, particularly from the BJP and Shiv Sena, who questioned the franchise’s decision in light of prevailing national sentiments. Tensions between the two countries escalated following the death of Dipu Chandra Das, a Hindu man, in Mymensingh last month. Several other incidents of violence against Hindus have also been reported, intensifying calls for Rahman’s removal from the IPL squad.
Earlier, BJP leader Sangeet Som had publicly criticised Shah Rukh Khan over the signing, adding to the political backlash surrounding the issue.
Meanwhile, Saikia did not comment on India’s upcoming tour of Bangladesh, where the Indian team is scheduled to play three ODIs and three T20Is in September 2026. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) announced the tour schedule on Friday, stating that India will arrive in Dhaka on August 28. The series was originally planned for August last year but was postponed due to unrest in Bangladesh.
Mustafizur Rahman’s IPL journey
Following his signing 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 participate fully in the IPL.
The left-arm pacer last featured in the IPL during the 2025 season, representing Delhi Capitals as a replacement player. He appeared in three matches and picked up four wickets.
Overall, Rahman has played 60 IPL matches, claiming 65 wickets. Over the years, he has represented multiple franchises, including Sunrisers Hyderabad, Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals, Delhi Capitals and Chennai Super Kings.
