Bangladesh’s Mustafizur Rahman PTI Photo) Kolkata Knight Riders now face a difficult situation after the BCCI ordered the franchise to release Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman ahead of the IPL 2026 season. KKR secured the left-armer for Rs 9.20 crore in a thrilling auction battle with Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals. The key question now is whether the franchise will get that money back to rebuild its team. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed the release to PTI and added that KKR can ask for a replacement player and the board will allow it. “BCCI has asked Kolkata Knight Riders to release Mustafizur Rahman from their team. They can ask for a replacement if needed and BCCI will allow a replacement player if requested,” he said.
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KKR later issued an official statement confirming the development. The franchise said that the BCCI and the IPL as the tournament regulator had instructed them to release Mustafizur Rahman before the upcoming season. The statement added that the release was done after due process and consultation, strictly as per BCCI guidelines. KKR also confirmed that the BCCI will allow the franchise to name a replacement player as per IPL regulations, with further details to be shared in due course. The release comes at a time of heightened political sensitivity following reports of violence against minorities in Bangladesh and increasing scrutiny of Bangladeshi players in IPL squads. Mustafizur’s IPL 2026 debut for KKR was expected to boost their bowling attack, so the sudden directive will significantly disrupt their planning. From the perspective of the league, situations like this are generally considered force majeure events, where withdrawals are due to circumstances beyond the control of both the player and the franchise. Historically, teams have been allowed to recover the entire auction amount in such cases and KKR is expected to get back the entire Rs 9.20 crore. For the franchise, getting the money back is key, not only from a financial perspective, but also to ensure they can enter the aftermarket without jeopardizing their balance sheet ahead of the new season.
