GUWAHATI, Jan 3: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has directed Kolkata Knight Riders to release Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from their squad ahead of IPL 2026, citing deteriorating bilateral relations between India and Bangladesh.
The franchise had secured the 30-year-old left-arm pacer for Rs 9.20 crore at last month’s auction, following a competitive bidding battle with Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals. Rahman, who entered the auction with a base price of Rs 2 crore, was set to make his debut for the three-time IPL champions.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed the development to PTI in Guwahati on Saturday, stating that KKR would be permitted to name a replacement if required. “The BCCI has asked Kolkata Knight Riders to release Mustafizur Rahman from its squad. They can ask for replacement, if needed. And upon request, BCCI will allow a replacement player,” Saikia said.
When questioned about the reasons behind the decision, Saikia cited “recent developments all across” as the primary factor.
The decision comes amid mounting pressure on the BCCI following recent violence against minorities in Bangladesh, including the killing of a Hindu man. India has expressed serious concerns over the safety of minorities in the neighboring country.
The controversy has also drawn KKR co-owner Shah Rukh Khan into the spotlight, with some BJP politicians questioning the franchise’s decision to acquire Rahman given the current geopolitical climate.
Rahman has been a regular feature in the IPL since 2016, participating in eight editions and representing multiple franchises including Sunrisers Hyderabad, Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals, Chennai Super Kings, and Rajasthan
The India-Bangladesh bilateral series, originally postponed last year, remains uncertain despite the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s announcement that it would be held in September this year. The BCCI has remained non-committal, with sources indicating reluctance to commit given Bangladesh’s volatile political situation.
Relations between the two nations have soured significantly since former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled to India in August last year following widespread anti-government protests. She was subsequently sentenced to death in absentia by a Bangladeshi tribunal for her alleged role in the deadly crackdown on student protesters.
The diplomatic strain is evident from multiple summons exchanged between the two countries—Dhaka summoned Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma five times over various issues, while India summoned Bangladesh’s High Commissioner Reaz Hamidullah once to voice concerns over security.
The transition from the India-friendly Awami League government to Muhammad Yunus’s interim administration has fundamentally altered Bangladesh’s diplomatic stance. Dhaka’s recent moves to strengthen ties with Pakistan have further complicated the regional dynamics, leaving the future of India-Bangladesh cricket ties hanging in the balance.
