Mustafizur Rahman of Bangladesh (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri) The Board of Control for Cricket in India has intervened amid a growing political storm over the signing of Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from Kolkata Knight Riders, asking the franchise to release the left-arm pacer from its squad ahead of the 2026 Indian Premier League season. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed the development to PTI saying that the board has communicated its decision to KKR keeping in view the prevailing situation. The move follows days of mounting pressure after KKR moved to rope in Mustafizur during the IPL auction, a decision that drew sharp reactions outside the cricketing sphere.
BCCI asks KKR to drop Bangladesh player from IPL after outrage over attacks on Hindu minorities
KKR acquired the services of the 30-year-old left-armer for Rs 9.20 crore from a base price of Rs 2 crore after an intense bidding war with Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals in the player auction last month. The franchise considered Mustafizur as an experienced overseas option capable of bolstering their bowling attack. A political controversy erupted soon after the signing, with sections of the Bharatiya Janata Party and several religious organizations objecting to the inclusion of a Bangladeshi player in the Kolkata-based IPL franchise. The backlash is rooted in current tensions in India-Bangladesh relations, as well as concerns over reports of violence in the neighboring country. Reacting to the situation, Saikia clarified that KKR will be allowed to name a replacement player if necessary. “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 this decision, the BCCI secretary said, “In view of the recent developments across the world.” Pressure on the committee has intensified over the Bangladeshi cricketer’s participation, particularly in the wake of the recent killing of a Hindu man in the country and India’s expressed concerns about the safety of its minorities. What started as a cricket call eventually evolved into a wider debate, drawing the league, the franchise and the BCCI into a sensitive geopolitical conversation.
