Former Indian cricketer Madan Lal has claimed that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) was forced to ask Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to drop Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman from their squad ahead of the 2026 Indian Premier League season.
Speaking to India Today, Madan Lal said the decision reflected the growing infiltration of politics into the sport and insisted the players were unfairly caught in the crossfire. The Board of Control for Cricket in India’s decision came amid questions directed at the Kolkata Knight Riders and its co-owner Shah Rukh Khan over the franchise’s choice to include a Bangladeshi player at a time when reports of targeted atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh have sparked widespread concern.
“You know, I think BCCI took this decision because no one can challenge them. Not even Shah Rukh Khan because they come under BCCI. So BCCI took the decision. But I don’t know why so much politics is entering the sport. I have no idea where cricket is going, where sport is going,” said Madan Lal.
“The things that happened in Bangladesh are very, very sad. But you see, a lot of these associations put the players in the line of fire. That’s the problem. They exploit the players. It’s a very sad thing that’s happening. Politics shouldn’t be involved in sports,” he added.
KKR signed the 30-year-old left-arm pacer for Rs 9.20 crore, well above his base price of Rs 2 crore, after an intense bidding war between Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals at the IPL auction last month. The inclusion of Mustafizur was seen as a key addition to KKR’s pace for the upcoming season.
He confirmed the development, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said the franchise could sign a replacement if needed. “BCCI has asked Kolkata Knight Riders to release Mustafizur Rahman from their team. If required, they can ask for a replacement. And BCCI will allow a replacement player if requested,” Saikia told India Today. When asked about the reason for the move, he said, “Because of the recent developments all around.”
Pressure on the BCCI to include the Bangladeshi cricketer has intensified following the recent killing of a Hindu man in the country and India’s expression of concern over the safety of its minorities.
Madan Lal said the circumstances indicated external pressure on the cricket board. “Yes, definitely. Because of what is happening in Bangladesh, that’s why they had to take this decision. I’m speaking directly here. There must have been pressure from the high command. That’s why this decision was taken,” he said.
He also questioned why characters associated with the franchises were brought into the fray. “What is Shah Rukh Khan’s fault? This is the committee that decides. When they sit in the auction, they are the people who select the players and everything,” said Madan Lal.
However, the former Indian all-rounder acknowledged the appeal of national sentiment in a cricket-loving country like India. “National sentiment will always be there because cricket is loved by millions of people. That’s why all this happens. The nation always comes first and that’s not a bad thing. That’s why such tough decisions are taken,” he said, while stressing that a lot depends on how the BCCI handles such situations in the future.
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Issued by:
Saurabh Kumar
Published on:
January 3, 2026
