Kolkata Knight Riders have released Mustafizur Rahman from their IPL 2026 squad after instructions from the BCCI. The decision was taken because of what the BCCI called recent developments.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said the board told KKR to release Mustafizur. He also said KKR will be allowed to sign a replacement player if they want. He did not clearly explain the reason behind the decision.
In its statement, KKR said the BCCI and IPL, as the bodies running the league, told the franchise to release Mustafizur before the new IPL season. KKR said the release was done only after following the proper process and after getting official advice from the BCCI and IPL.
The decision is linked to recent events in the region and the strong anti-Bangladesh mood in India. Reports have mentioned attacks on minorities in Bangladesh as a major reason. KKR could not have released the player on its own, as that could have led to legal problems. The player would have had the right to go to court if the franchise acted without BCCI approval.
KKR also said the BCCI will allow them to sign a replacement player as per IPL rules. More details will be shared later.
The responsibility to take the first step was always with the BCCI. KKR had followed BCCI rules when they bought Mustafizur, as he was cleared and listed for the auction. Seven Bangladesh players were part of the auction, but Mustafizur was the only one who was picked.
There was strong bidding for Mustafizur in the auction. Delhi Capitals started the bid at INR 2.2 crore and went up to INR 5.2 crore. KKR then joined the bidding. Chennai Super Kings pushed the price to INR 9 crore before KKR finally bought him for INR 9.2 crore. Mustafizur has earlier played for Chennai Super Kings, Delhi Capitals, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Rajasthan Royals.
Mustafizur Rahman’s Release Clarified After BCCI Statement, Bangladesh Board Awaited Response
A senior IPL official said KKR could not have made this decision alone. He said franchises and players are tied by contracts, and IPL rules do not allow random or unfair decisions.
After BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia spoke publicly, the situation became clear. He said the BCCI had instructed KKR to release Mustafizur and also told them they would be allowed to bring in a replacement player. He referred to recent developments but did not explain them in detail.
In the last few days, some Indian news reports said that spiritual and political leaders had criticised KKR and team owner Shah Rukh Khan for picking Mustafizur. These reports linked the criticism to claims of attacks on Hindu minorities in Bangladesh.
KKR later released a statement saying the player was released after proper talks and process, and only after receiving instructions from the BCCI.
Mustafizur Rahman has played in the IPL since 2016. He has played for the Chennai Super Kings, Delhi Capitals, Rajasthan Royals, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Mumbai Indians. In 60 IPL games, he has claimed 65 wickets.
At the IPL auction last year, KKR purchased Mustafizur for INR 9.2 crore. He was the only Bangladesh player to get an IPL contract for the 2026 season. He is currently playing in the Bangladesh Premier League for the Rangpur Riders.
A day before the BCCI statement, the Bangladesh Cricket Board announced its home season starting in March 2026. This includes a white-ball series against India that was earlier planned for 2025 but later moved. Bangladesh are also set to play in India during the T20 World Cup in February and March.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board is expected to release a statement on this issue soon.
FAQs
Q. Will Mustafizur play in the IPL in 2026?
A. No. The BCCI told the Kolkata Knight Riders to release Mustafizur Rahman from the squad ahead of IPL 2026, and KKR confirmed the release.
Q. Which team bought Mustafizur Rahman?
A. At the IPL 2026 auction held in Abu Dhabi, Kolkata Knight Riders bought Mustafizur Rahman for ₹9.20 crore.
Q. Why is Mustafizur Rahman not playing in IPL 2026?
A. His selection led to controversy linked to events in Bangladesh. After this, the BCCI told KKR to release him, mentioning “recent developments.”
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