The Board of Control for Cricket in India has asked Kolkata Knight Riders to part ways with Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman ahead of the Indian Premier League 2026 season. The decision was confirmed on Saturday by BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, who told ANI that the move was prompted by recent developments in Bangladesh, where reports have emerged of Hindus being killed. Saikia added that once Rahman is released, KKR will be permitted to bring in a replacement player.
Speaking on the matter, Saikia said that considering the ongoing situation, the BCCI had instructed KKR to release Mustafizur Rahman from their squad. He also clarified that the board would approve a replacement signing if the franchise chose to do so.
KKR had acquired Rahman during the mini auction held in Abu Dhabi for INR 9.20 crore. His signing followed a competitive bidding war involving Kolkata Knight Riders, Delhi Capitals, and Chennai Super Kings, with KKR eventually securing the Bangladesh pacer. However, in recent days, both the franchise and its co owner Shah Rukh Khan have faced criticism for selecting Rahman amid strained relations between India and Bangladesh.
Several political leaders from the Bharatiya Janata Party and Shiv Sena publicly criticised Shah Rukh Khan and KKR, accusing them of overlooking national sentiment. Tensions between India and Bangladesh have further escalated following the death of Dipu Chandra Das, a Hindu man, in Mymensingh last month. Reports of additional incidents involving violence against Hindus in Bangladesh intensified calls for Rahman’s removal from the squad. Earlier, BJP leader Sangeet Som had even labelled Shah Rukh Khan a traitor for signing a Bangladeshi player.
Saikia did not comment on India’s upcoming tour of Bangladesh, during which the Indian team is scheduled to play three One Day Internationals and three T20 Internationals in September 2026. The Bangladesh Cricket Board announced the tour schedule on Friday, stating that the Indian team will arrive in Dhaka on August 28. The series was originally planned for August last year but was postponed due to unrest in Bangladesh.
Mustafizur Rahman’s IPL journey
After being signed by KKR, Rahman had earlier received a no objection certificate from the Bangladesh Cricket Board, allowing him to skip the home series against New Zealand and remain available for the IPL season.
In the 2025 IPL, Rahman represented Delhi Capitals after joining the team as a replacement player. He featured in three matches and picked up four wickets. Across his IPL career, the left arm pacer has played 60 matches and taken 65 wickets. Over the years, he has turned out for Sunrisers Hyderabad, Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals, Delhi Capitals, and Chennai Super Kings.
