BCCI issue directive for KKR to release Mustafizur while allowing the franchise to sign a replacement player.
KKR release Mustafizur from IPL 2026 squad following BCCI instructions.
The BCCI “instructed” the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to remove Mustafizur Rahman off their IPL 2026 roster due to “recent developments,” which may be a reference to geopolitical events in the area.
Saikia did not provide an explanation for the BCCI’s decision, but over the past few days, Indian news outlets have reported that political and spiritual leaders in India have criticised KKR and their owner, Shah Rukh Khan, for including Mustafizur in their lineup at a time when Hindu minorities are allegedly being attacked in Bangladesh.
“Due to the recent developments which is 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,” Devajit Saikia, the BCCI secretary, told news agency ANI on Saturday morning.
KKR issued a statement confirming that “the release has been carried out following due process and consultations, upon the instruction of the Board of Control of Cricket in India”.
Throughout his IPL career, which began in 2016, Mustafizur has taken 65 wickets in 60 games while playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Mumbai Indians (MI), Rajasthan Royals (RR), Delhi Capitals (DC), and Chennai Super Kings (CSK).
He was purchased by KKR for INR 9.2 crore at the IPL auction towards the end of the previous year. The team also added Australian all-rounder Cameron Green, Matheesha Pathirana of Sri Lanka, and Akash Deep to their roster.
Currently playing for Rangpur Riders in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), Mustafizur is the only cricket player from Bangladesh to secure an IPL team prior to the 2026 season.
The BCB is anticipated to release a comment regarding the issue shortly.