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KKR Forced to Release Mustafizur Rahman After BCCI Order Amid Political Controversy

The Kolkata Knight Riders have released Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman from their IPL 2026 squad following a direct instruction from the BCCI. The board's decision is linked to reported violence against the Hindu community in Bangladesh in December, which sparked criticism of his IPL participation. KKR, which had just signed Rahman for a record Rs 9.20 crore at the auction, is now permitted to seek a replacement player as per IPL regulations. The seasoned bowler, an IPL veteran since 2016, now finds his tournament involvement cut short due to off-field political sensitivities.

Key Points: BCCI Orders KKR to Release Mustafizur Rahman | IPL 2026

  • BCCI orders player release
  • Political controversy cited
  • KKR allowed a replacement
  • Record Rs 9.2 crore signing
2 min read

IPL 2026: KKR release Mustafizur Rahman after BCCI ruling

KKR releases Mustafizur Rahman after BCCI instruction, following controversy over violence in Bangladesh. Franchise can now seek a replacement player.

IPL 2026: KKR release Mustafizur Rahman after BCCI ruling
"The BCCI has instructed KKR to release Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from their squad. - Devajit Saikia, BCCI Secretary"

New Delhi, Jan 3

The Kolkata Knight Riders have confirmed that Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman has been released from their Indian Premier League squad following instructions from the Board of Control for Cricket in India to do so. The call was taken amid excessive controversy and debate surrounding the player's participation in the cash-rich event.

"Kolkata Knight Riders confirms that BCCI/IPL, as the regulator of IPL, has instructed it to release Mustafizur Rahman from the squad ahead of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season. The release has been carried out following due process and consultations, upon the instruction of the Board of Control for Cricket in India. BCCI will allow Kolkata Knight Riders a replacement player in line with IPL regulations, and further details will be communicated in due course," the franchise said in a statement.

Earlier on Saturday, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed that the board had asked the three-time champions to release Rahman from their squad and allowed them to look for a replacement player. "The BCCI has instructed KKR to release Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from their squad, while also allowing the franchise to name a replacement," he told IANS.

The decision was made following reports of violence against members of the Hindu community in Bangladesh in December. Additionally, critics had voiced their disapproval of Rahman's involvement in the IPL.

Rahman drew significant attention after KKR acquired him for a record Rs 9.20 crore at the December mini-auction, making him the highest-paid Bangladeshi cricketer in IPL history. He was purchased from a starting bid of Rs 2 crore amid a fierce bidding war between the Chennai Super Kings and the Delhi Capitals.

The 30-year-old player has claimed 65 wickets over 60 matches, maintaining an economy rate of 8.13 since his IPL debut with Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2016. He has represented several franchises: Mumbai Indians in 2018, Rajasthan Royals in 2021, Delhi Capitals during 2022-23, and Chennai Super Kings in 2024.

He represented DC in IPL 2025 after being named as Jake Fraser-McGurk's injury replacement.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While I understand the sentiment, the BCCI's decision feels reactionary. It sets a worrying precedent. Should every player be held accountable for their government's actions? The IPL was a platform for unity.
A
Aman W
Fully support BCCI on this. Sports and national sentiment cannot be separated. When our brothers and sisters face violence elsewhere, we must show solidarity. KKR will find a good replacement, don't worry!
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Sarah B
As a cricket fan living in India, this is confusing. He was just playing for DC last season. What changed so drastically between seasons? The article mentions reports from December, but the process seems very abrupt.
V
Vikram M
Tough for KKR after spending 9.2 crore! That's a huge chunk of their purse gone. The 'Fizz' is a T20 specialist. Hope they get a quality Indian pacer as replacement. Maybe someone like Shivam Mavi?
K
Karthik V
The decision is correct, but the timing is terrible. The auction is over. Which good players are left for replacement? BCCI should have clarified this policy before the auction itself. Now it just hurts the franchise.
N
Nisha Z
Feel bad for Mustafizur as an individual cricketer. He didn't do anything wrong.

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