India vs Bangladesh (Photo: Francois Nel/Getty Images) NEW DELHI: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to release Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from the Indian Premier League (IPL) season 2026. However, this decision applies only to the IPL. So far, no call has been received regarding Bangladesh’s matches in the 2026 FIFA World Cup T20 to be played in India. This was confirmed by the head of the Indian cricket board, Mithun Manhas.
Mohammed Kaif breaks silence on Mustafizur Rahman-KKR debate
Manhas said the matter was discussed in detail before taking the final call. He also made it clear that the question of the World Cup is still open. “The BCCI has taken this decision after thorough consultation and Mr Saikia has already told the media. The decision is only related to the IPL; we have not discussed the World Cup yet. We will share the details once it is done,” Manhas told IANS on Saturday.This update comes after BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia said Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have been instructed to drop Mustafizur Rahman from their IPL 2026 squad. The decision was taken as per BCCI guidelines due to recent developments in Bangladesh.The issue has become sensitive in recent days after several clerics and political leaders criticized KKR and its owner, actor-producer Shah Rukh Khan. The criticism followed KKR’s decision to sign Rahman in the IPL auction. This comes amid reports of attacks on Hindu minorities in Bangladesh, leading to public outrage and strong reactions on social media and other platforms.Mustafizur Rahman was bought by KKR at the IPL auction held in Abu Dhabi in December 2025 for Rs 9.2 crore. Since his IPL debut in 2016, Rahman has taken 65 wickets in 60 matches.Rahman’s exit from IPL 2026 has also raised questions about Bangladesh’s participation in the T20 World Cup matches scheduled in India. Bangladesh are scheduled to play the West Indies, Italy and England on February 7, 9 and 14 at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. They will then face Nepal on February 17 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. So far BCCI has not made any announcement regarding these matches.
