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BCCI Takes Major Call: KKR Asked to Release Mustafizur Rahman Ahead of IPL 2026

The BCCI has instructed Kolkata Knight Riders to release Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from their IPL 2026 squad amid growing political and social tensions. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed the decision, stating that KKR will be allowed to sign a replacement player.

Ankaj Jha (icccricketschedule.com)

Published: January 3, 2026 at 4:08 PM IST • Updated: February 5, 2026 at 12:20 PM IST

• 3 Min Read

BCCI Takes Major Call: KKR Asked to Release Mustafizur Rahman Ahead of IPL 2026

BCCI Takes Major Call: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has taken a significant and sensitive decision ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026.

The board has formally instructed Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from their squad following recent developments linked to the political and social situation in Bangladesh.

The move has drawn widespread attention, given the growing debate around the participation of Bangladeshi players in the IPL amid strained relations between the two countries.

BCCI Confirms Decision, Replacement Allowed

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed the decision while speaking to news agency ANI. He stated that the board took the call after assessing the current circumstances and clarified that KKR will be allowed to sign a replacement player once Rahman is released.

“Considering the recent developments, BCCI has instructed KKR to release Bangladesh player Mustafizur Rahman from their squad. If the franchise requests a replacement, the board will approve it,” Saikia said.

Big Auction Price, Bigger Fallout

Mustafizur Rahman was one of KKR’s most expensive buys at the IPL 2026 mini-auction held in Abu Dhabi. The franchise secured the left-arm pacer for INR 9.20 crore after a fierce bidding battle involving Delhi Capitals and Chennai Super Kings.

However, the signing soon became controversial. Over the past few days, KKR and its co-owner Shah Rukh Khan faced intense criticism on social media and from political circles, with many questioning the timing and sensitivity of picking a Bangladeshi player.

Political Pressure and Rising Tensions

Several leaders from the BJP and Shiv Sena openly criticised KKR, accusing the franchise of ignoring national sentiment.

The backlash intensified following reports of violence against Hindus in Bangladesh, including the death of Dipu Chandra Das in Mymensingh last month.

Calls to exclude Mustafizur Rahman from IPL 2026 grew louder, with some political figures even making harsh remarks against Shah Rukh Khan. The issue quickly escalated from a cricketing decision into a wider political debate.

Silence on India’s Bangladesh Tour

Notably, the BCCI has not commented on India’s scheduled tour of Bangladesh in September 2026, where the teams are set to play three ODIs and three T20Is.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board has confirmed that the Indian team is expected to arrive in Dhaka on August 28. The series was earlier postponed due to unrest in the region.

Mustafizur Rahman’s IPL Record

Despite the controversy, Mustafizur Rahman has enjoyed a respectable IPL career. The left-arm pacer has played 60 IPL matches, picking up 65 wickets.

He has represented multiple franchises, including Sunrisers Hyderabad, Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals, Delhi Capitals and Chennai Super Kings.

In IPL 2025, Rahman featured for Delhi Capitals as a replacement player and claimed four wickets in three matches. He had also received a No Objection Certificate from the Bangladesh Cricket Board to participate fully in IPL 2026 before the BCCI’s directive.

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