The BCCI has instructed Kolkata Knight Riders to release Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from their IPL squad, citing “recent developments” without specifying details. The board has assured KKR that any request for a replacement player will be approved.
“Following recent developments, the BCCI has directed the KKR franchise to release Bangladesh’s Mustafizur Rahman from their squad,” Saikia told news agency ANI. He added that BCCI will permit a replacement if the team requests one.
Shah Rukh Khan faced criticism in Maharashtra after buying Bangladeshi cricketer Mustafizur Rahman for ₹9.20 crore in the IPL 2026 auction for his franchise, Kolkata Knight Riders. Only Mustafizur of the seven Bangladeshi players in the auction was picked, after a bidding war between KKR and Chennai Super Kings.
In the same announcement, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed that India’s squad for the three-match ODI series against New Zealand, starting 11 January 2026, will be announced later on 3 January.
Shah Rukh Khan Faces Backlash Over KKR Signing Mustafizur Rahman for IPL 2026
Shah Rukh Khan was seen at Mumbai airport with his wife, Gauri, and daughter, Suhana, returning from vacation, amid controversy over KKR signing Bangladeshi cricketer Mustafizur Rahman for IPL 2026.
BJP and Shiv Sena leaders criticized the signing, citing alleged atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh, while spiritual leaders Rambhadracharya and Devkinandan Thakur called the move “anti-national” and demanded action.
Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif also backed the BCCI to handle the IPL controversy involving Shah Rukh Khan’s franchise, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman. He said the matter is sensitive and urged media and fans to wait for the BCCI’s decision
Hindu spiritual leader Jagadguru Swami Rambhadracharya called him a “traitor” for the signing. Another spiritual leader, Devkinandan Thakur, demanded Mustafizur be removed and the ₹9.2 crore be paid to families of Hindu children killed in Bangladesh, citing targeted atrocities against Hindus.
IPL 2026 Controversy: Who is Mustafizur Rahman?
Bangladeshi left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman, 30, became the most expensive Bangladeshi player in IPL history when the Kolkata Knight Riders signed him for Rs 9.20 crore during the IPL 2026 mini-auction.
Internationally, in T20Is, Mustafizur has claimed 158 wickets at an economy rate of 7.20. In the IPL, he has 65 wickets in 60 matches with an economy of 8.13. He debuted in the IPL in 2016 with SunRisers Hyderabad, helping them win their only title, and has since played for Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals, Delhi Capitals, and Chennai Super Kings. Last year, he returned to Delhi Capitals as an injury replacement before being acquired by KKR.
His signing sparked controversy due to recent incidents against religious minorities in Bangladesh, though the BCCI had no restrictions on Bangladeshi players participating in the auction.
FAQs
Q. Why was Mustafizur Rahman asked to quit the KKR IPL team?
A. Without providing specifics, the BCCI ordered the Kolkata Knight Riders to release Mustafizur Rahman because of “recent developments.”
Q. Will KKR be permitted to find his replacement?
A. The BCCI has affirmed that any request for a substitute player will be granted.
Q. Why was Shah Rukh Khan criticized?
A. When Shah Rukh Khan paid ₹9.20 crore for Mustafizur Rahman at the IPL 2026 auction, he received criticism. Critics referred to the signing as “anti-national,” citing alleged crimes against Hindus in Bangladesh.
Q. Who is Mustafizur Rahman?
A. Bangladeshi left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman, 30, has claimed 65 wickets at an economy rate of 8.13 in 60 IPL games.
Q. How much did KKR pay for Mustafizur Rahman?
A. Mustafizur Rahman was signed for ₹9.20 crore, making him the most expensive Bangladeshi player in IPL history.
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