BCCI asks KKR to release Mustafizur Rahman from IPL 2026 squad
KKR had picked up Rahman at the mini-auction held in Abu Dhabi for INR 9.20 crore following an intense bidding war involving Delhi Capitals and Chennai Super Kings, with KKR.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) today (3 January) asked Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from their squad for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season.
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia told news agency ANI that the decision was taken in light of recent developments, citing reports of incidents involving the killing of several Hindus in Bangladesh. He also said the board would allow KKR to sign a replacement player once Rahman is released.
"Due to the recent developments going on, BCCI has instructed the franchise KKR to release one of their players, Mustafizur Rahman of Bangladesh, from their squad. If they ask for a replacement, BCCI will allow that," Saikia said.
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KKR had picked up Rahman at the mini-auction held in Abu Dhabi for INR 9.20 crore following an intense bidding war involving Delhi Capitals and Chennai Super Kings, with KKR eventually securing the left-arm pacer.
In recent days, KKR and co-owner Shah Rukh Khan have faced criticism over signing Rahman amid strained relations between India and Bangladesh. Several political leaders from the BJP and Shiv Sena criticised the franchise for allegedly ignoring national sentiment.
Tensions between the two countries have intensified following the killing of Dipu Chandra Das, a Hindu man, in Mymensingh last month. Several other incidents of violence against Hindus have also been reported in Bangladesh, leading to growing calls for Rahman's removal from the IPL squad. Earlier, BJP leader Sangeet Som described Shah Rukh Khan as a "gaddar (traitor)" for signing a Bangladeshi player.
The BCCI secretary, however, did not comment on India's upcoming tour of Bangladesh, where the Indian team is scheduled to play three ODIs and three T20Is in September 2026. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) announced the tour schedule on Friday, stating that the Indian team will arrive in Dhaka on August 28. The series was originally scheduled for August last year but was postponed due to unrest in Bangladesh.
After being picked by KKR, Rahman had received a no-objection certificate from the BCB to miss Bangladesh's home series against New Zealand and remain available for the IPL.
The left-arm pacer most recently played for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2025 as a replacement player, featuring in three matches and taking four wickets. Overall, Mustafizur Rahman has played 60 IPL matches, claiming 65 wickets, and has previously represented Sunrisers Hyderabad, Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals, Delhi Capitals and Chennai Super Kings.
