BCCI officially orders KKR to release Mustafizur Rahman before IPL 2026 amid India-Bangladesh tensions

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has clarified its stance on the involvement of Bangladeshi players in the Indian Premier League (IPL) amid growing backlash. According to reports, the BCCI has asked Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from their squad.

Mustafizur became the costliest Bangladeshi player at an IPL auction, with Kolkata Knight Riders securing him for Rs 9.20 crore. However, his signing has triggered controversy, as reports of violence against religious minorities in Bangladesh have led to questions over his involvement in the Indian Premier League 2026.

BCCI Instructed KKR to Release Mustafizur Rahman - Devajit Saikia

The Board of Control for Cricket in India has taken a stance regarding the participation of Bangladeshi players in the IPL. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed that Kolkata Knight Riders have been instructed to release Mustafizur from their squad due to recent developments.

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Saikia also added that the BCCI will permit KKR to sign a replacement player if the franchise chooses to do so, ensuring they are not left short-handed for the upcoming season.

"Due to the recent developments that are going on all across, BCCI has instructed the franchise KKR to release one of their players, Mustafizur Rahman of Bangladesh, from their squad and BCCI has also said that if they ask for any replacement, BCCI is going to allow that replacement," Saikia said.

#WATCH | Guwahati | BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia says, "Due to the recent developments that are going on all across, BCCI has instructed the franchise KKR to release one of their players, Mustafizur Rahman of Bangladesh, from their squad and BCCI has also said that if they ask… pic.twitter.com/53oxuRcmZp

— ANI (@ANI) January 3, 2026

Mustafizur Rahman’s IPL Journey and the Controversy Around His Signing

Mustafizur Rahman has played in the IPL since 2016 and has featured for several teams over the years. He has taken 65 wickets in 60 matches at an economy rate of 8.13.

The left-arm pacer has represented franchises such as Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Mumbai Indians (MI), Rajasthan Royals (RR), Delhi Capitals (DC), and Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Last season, he returned to Delhi Capitals as an injury replacement.

His signing by Kolkata Knight Riders sparked controversy. Spiritual leader Devkinandan Thakur criticized KKR and co-owner Shah Rukh Khan, saying the move hurt religious sentiments amid reports of attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh.

The remarks drew mixed reactions from political leaders, with many stressing that sports should remain separate from politics and international issues.

Shah Rukh Khan Accused of Backing Players From a Country Claimed to Be Hostile to India

The controversy around Mustafizur Rahman’s IPL inclusion escalated into a political dispute. Bharatiya Janata Party leader Sangeet Som launched a direct attack on Shah Rukh Khan, accusing him of backing players from a country he claimed was hostile to India.

Som questioned Khan’s loyalty and argued that money earned in India should not be invested in such associations, remarks that further intensified the ongoing debate.

“Despite all this, traitors like Shah Rukh Khan, I am calling him a traitor because everything he has is given by India, given by the people of India, but where do they invest this money? They invest it in players from a country that is working against India. I want to tell people like Shah Rukh Khan that they will not succeed,” Som was quoted as saying by ANI.

Also read: Mustafizur Rahman faces Death Threats over IPL 2026 participation; KKR’s ₹9.20 crore gamble in jeopardy