The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has asked the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from their squad for the upcoming IPL 2026 season. The decision comes in the backdrop of recent developments in Bangladesh, where reports of violence and the killing of several Hindus have emerged. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed the move while speaking to news agency ANI.
“Due to the recent developments which is going on all across, BCCI has instructed the franchisee KKR to release one of their player Mustafizur Rahman of Bangladesh from their squad and BCCI has also said that if they ask for any replacement, BCCI is going to allow that replacement,” ANI reported Saikia as saying.
#WATCH | Guwahati | BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia says, "Due to the recent developments that are going on all across, BCCI has instructed the franchise KKR to release one of their players, Mustafizur Rahman of Bangladesh, from their squad and BCCI has also said that if they ask… pic.twitter.com/53oxuRcmZp
— ANI (@ANI) January 3, 2026
KKR had bought Mustafizur Rahman during the mini-auction held in Abu Dhabi for Rs 9.20 crore. The bidding saw a fierce contest between KKR and Chennai Super Kings (CSK), with KKR eventually securing the left-arm pacer. However, the signing soon became controversial. Over the past few days, both KKR and co-owner Shah Rukh Khan have faced criticism for picking a Bangladeshi player at a time when relations between India and Bangladesh are under strain.
Political backlash over national sentiment
Several political leaders from the BJP and Shiv Sena openly criticised Shah Rukh Khan and the franchise, accusing them of ignoring national sentiment. Tensions between the two countries have intensified following the death of Dipu Chandra Das, a Hindu man, in Mymensingh last month. Reports of other incidents of violence against Hindus in Bangladesh further added to the pressure, leading to growing calls for Rahman’s removal from the team.
Earlier, BJP leader Sangeet Som had also targeted Shah Rukh Khan, calling the Bollywood actor a “gaddar (traitor)” for signing a Bangladeshi player despite the prevailing situation.
No comment on India’s Bangladesh tour
Meanwhile, the BCCI secretary did not comment on India’s upcoming tour of Bangladesh. India are scheduled to play three ODIs and three T20Is during the tour in September 2026. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) announced the schedule on Friday, saying the Indian team will arrive in Dhaka on August 28.
After being picked by KKR, Rahman had earlier received a no-objection certificate from the BCB, allowing him to miss Bangladesh’s home series against New Zealand and remain available for the IPL for the full season.
In the IPL 2025 season, Rahman had played for Delhi Capitals as a replacement player. He featured in three matches and picked up four wickets. Over his IPL career so far, the Bangladesh pacer has played 60 matches and taken 65 wickets. He has previously represented Sunrisers Hyderabad, Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals, Delhi Capitals and Chennai Super Kings.