KKR finally break silence on BCCI's order to release Mustafizur Rahman
Published - 03 Jan 2026, 01:52 PM | Updated - 03 Jan 2026, 11:34 PM
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Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) were left with no choice but to part ways with Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman after a late order from the BCCI ahead of the IPL 2026. The KKR acted on the instruction just weeks after signing Mustafizur Rahman for a hefty INR 9.20 crore at the IPL Auction.
Big Blow for KKR as BCCI Orders Mustafizur Rahman’s Exit Before IPL 2026
They made this tough call on January 3, 2026, when BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed that KKR had been asked to release the Bangladesh pacer from the squad following the political pressure due to the multiple incidents involving the killing of Hindus in the neighboring country.
Around two hours after the BCCI issued the diktat to all the franchises, Kolkata Knight Riders officially confirmed that Mustafizur Rahman had been released from the squad after completing all required formalities and discussions with the IPL Governing Council.
In a big relief for the Kolkata Knight Riders, the IPL GC has allowed the franchise to sign a replacement player, as per league rules, and they will announce the replacement soon.
Kolkata Knight Riders' Official Statement
The KKR said in an official statement: “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 of 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 Rules and Controversy
Under IPL rules, a franchise cannot release a player once he is bought at the auction. After the auction, only the IPL Governing Council, the BCCI, or the player himself can make a final call. This means KKR had no option to drop Rahman on their own, even if they wanted to.
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As the controversy grew in India over the ongoing situation of Hindu minorities in Bangladesh, the BCCI intervened to handle the matter and ordered the KKR to release Rahman.
Over the past few days, the three-time IPL champions and co-owner Shah Rukh Khan faced heavy criticism from politicians and fans on social media. Many people questioned the franchise for signing a Bangladeshi player, linking the move to national sentiment rather than just the game.
The situation turned worse following the death of Dipu Chandra Das, a Hindu man, in Mymensingh last month, and Rahman’s signing turned into full-blown controversy.
Mustafizur Rahman in IPL and International Arena
Rahman is currently playing in the Bangladesh Premier League 2025-26 (BPL 2025-26) and has a huge IPL in his CV. The fast bowler has so far played 60 matches in the IPL for teams like Delhi Capitals, Chennai Super Kings, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Rajasthan Royals, and Mumbai Indians.
During his IPL career, Rahman has taken 65 wickets with an average of 28.44 and an economy rate of 8.13. Speaking about his international career, the bowler has over 360 wickets across the formats. The Bangladesh bowler has taken 402 wickets in 315 games in his T20 career so far.
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