THE Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) led Calcutta Knights Riders (KKR) to release Bangladesh left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman of their team for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. The decision was communicated to the franchise on Saturday and is believed to be linked to recent developments in Bangladesh which have raised wider sensitivities, prompting the board to intervene ahead of the upcoming season.
BCCI asks KKR to release Mustafizur Rahman
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed that the governing body had asked KKR to move on from the Bangladesh international and also assured the franchise that they would be allowed to sign a replacement. The board’s stance ensures that KKR will not be short-staffed as it prepares its team for IPL 2026, even though the release was not motivated by cricketing reasons.
According to Saikia, the instruction was issued after reviewing the current situation with the BCCI keen to act decisively to avoid any further complications. Although the board has not publicly set a deadline, KKR is expected to finalize the formalities and begin the process of identifying an alternative foreign player soon.
“Due to the recent developments happening everywhere, the BCCI has asked the franchisee KKR to release one of its players Mustafizur Rahman of Bangladesh from their squad and the BCCI has also said that if they ask for a replacement, the BCCI will allow such replacement,” Saikia was quoted as saying by ANI.
High-profile auction purchase sparks debate
Mustafizur had been one of KKR’s marquee acquisitions during the IPL mini-auction held in Abu Dhabi, where the franchise got him for INR 9.20 crore after a bidding battle with Chennai Super Kings (CSK). The point guard’s international experience and reputation as a deceptive cutter have made him an attractive option for the defending champions, particularly for matches on slower surfaces.
However, the signing quickly became a topic of discussion beyond cricket. Over the past few days, KKR and its ownership group, including co-owner Shah Rukh Khanhas faced criticism from certain sections of fans on social media. The backlash focused on the timing of the move, given the tense atmosphere surrounding India-Bangladesh relations, ultimately attracting the attention of the BCCI.
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No clarity yet on India’s tour of Bangladesh
With Mustafizur set to step down, KKR’s think tank will now reassess its overseas tie-up. The franchise will likely be looking for a fast bowler who can offer similar skills (variation at the death and experience in pressure situations) while also fitting in seamlessly with the team’s broader plans for the season.
BCCI’s assurance that a replacement will be allowed provides KKR with flexibility, whether it chooses to dip into the unsold pool or explore other available options. From the league’s perspective, the move reinforces the board’s intention to keep the IPL as free from off-field turmoil as possible.
Interestingly, the BCCI has remained silent on India’s planned white-ball tour of Bangladesh later this year. THE Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) recently announced that India is scheduled to play three ODIs and three T20Is in September 2026, with the team scheduled to arrive in Dhaka on August 28. The series was previously postponed due to unrest in the country.
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