Mustafizur Rahman (photo agency) NEW DELHI: Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman has found himself in the limelight, both for his cricketing milestone and the growing controversy surrounding his participation in the IPL. Amid the ongoing debate, Mustafizur took to social media to celebrate his personal success and his recent performance in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL).
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After a strong attack against Sylhet Titans, Mustafizur shared a post on X (formerly Twitter) that reflected gratitude and calmness amidst the noise.“Alhamdulillah for another milestone. 400 T20 wickets and a solid win against Sylhet Titans. Always grateful for the performance. Thanks to everyone for the love and support,” Mustafizur Rahman wrote on X.While Mustafizur continues to perform on the field, things have changed. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has asked Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release the Bangladeshi pacer ahead of the 2026 Indian Premier League season. The decision came after political pressure and public debate following KKR’s move to sign him in the IPL auction.After a bidding war with Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals, KKR bought Mustafizur for Rs 9.20 crore, well above his base price of Rs 2 crore. The franchise saw him as an experienced overseas bowler who could bolster their attack. However, soon after the signing, objections were raised by sections of the Bharatiya Janata Party and some religious groups. Their concerns were related to current tensions in India-Bangladesh relations and reports of violence in Bangladesh. What started as a cricket decision quickly turned into a sensitive political issue.BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed the board’s decision and clarified that KKR will be allowed to sign a replacement player.“BCCI has asked Kolkata Knight Riders to release Mustafizur Rahman from their team. If necessary, they can ask for a replacement and BCCI will allow a replacement player if requested,” Saikia told PTI on Saturday.When asked about the reason for the call, he added: “Because of recent developments all around.”Despite the controversy, Mustafizur continues to have an impact on the BPL. He recently took three wickets for Sylhet Titans, showing that his focus remains firmly on cricket.
