The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has instructed Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from their squad ahead of the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season, citing recent developments affecting bilateral relations between India and Bangladesh.
KKR confirmed that the decision was taken following due process and consultations, in compliance with directions from the BCCI and IPL authorities. The franchise added that it will be permitted to name a replacement player in accordance with IPL regulations, with further details to be communicated in due course.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said the governing body had asked KKR to release the left-arm pacer and clarified that a replacement would be allowed if the franchise makes a formal request. When asked about the rationale behind the move, Saikia said it was due to “recent developments all across.”
KKR had signed the 30-year-old Mustafizur for Rs 9.20 crore at last month’s players’ auction, after a competitive bidding war involving Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals. The upcoming season was set to be his first with the three-time IPL champions.
Pressure on the BCCI over Mustafizur’s participation had intensified in recent weeks following the killing of a Hindu man in Bangladesh and India’s expressed concerns over the safety of minorities in the neighbouring country.
The decision also triggered political reactions, with some leaders from the ruling BJP criticising KKR and questioning the inclusion of the Bangladesh bowler amid the prevailing circumstances. Criticism extended to KKR co-owner and actor Shah Rukh Khan.
Mustafizur has featured in eight IPL seasons since making his debut in 2016, missing only the 2019 and 2020 editions. He has previously represented Sunrisers Hyderabad, Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals, Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals.
Bilateral cricket uncertain
India and Bangladesh had postponed a white-ball bilateral series last year. While the Bangladesh Cricket Board recently announced that the series is scheduled to be played in Bangladesh in September, the BCCI has remained non-committal and is unlikely to confirm the tour given the volatile political situation in the country.
Relations between the two neighbours deteriorated following the ouster of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India in August last year amid widespread anti-government protests. She was later sentenced to death in absentia by a tribunal for her alleged role in a deadly crackdown during the unrest.
Diplomatic tensions have since escalated, with Dhaka summoning Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma multiple times, while India summoned Bangladesh’s High Commissioner Reaz Hamidullah to convey concerns over security conditions. The transition from the Awami League government to a Muhammad Yunus-led interim administration, along with Dhaka’s efforts to strengthen ties with Pakistan, has further complicated the bilateral relationship.