Kolkata Knight Riders asked to remove Mustafizur Rahman from their squad for IPL 2026
BCCI confirmed that KKR can seek an approved replacement if required
The decision follows worsening diplomatic ties between India and Bangladesh
The BCCI has formally requested the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from their squad ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. The decision comes amid the strained diplomatic relations between India and Bangladesh.
The development was confirmed by BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, who indicated that the franchise has been given the option to seek a replacement if required.
“The BCCI has asked Kolkata Knight Riders to release Mustafizur Rahman from its squad,” Saikia told PTI. “They can ask for replacement, if needed. And upon request, BCCI will allow a replacement player.”
While no formal government directive has been cited, the board has attributed the move to “recent developments all across”, without elaborating further.
“Kolkata Knight Riders confirms that BCCI/IPL as the regulator of IPL has instructed it to release Mustafizur Rahman from the squad ahead of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season,” KKR said in a statement. “The release has been carried out following due process and consultations, upon the instruction of the Board of Control of Cricket in India.”
Hindu Worker Killing Sparks Row
The decision comes against the backdrop of worsening India-Bangladesh relations, with recent reports of violence against minority communities in Bangladesh triggering sharp reactions within India.
The flashpoint was the killing of Dipu Chandra Das, a Hindu garment worker, in Mymensingh. Das was lynched on December 18 following allegations of blasphemy. Reports stated that he was beaten to death by a mob, after which his body was tied to a tree and set on fire.
The move drew international condemnation, with the Indian Ministry of External Affairs expressing deep concern. The MEA urged Bangladeshi authorities to ensure accountability, bring the perpetrators to justice, and safeguard the Hindu communities.
More members of the minority community have been attacked in Bangladesh since then.
Calls For KKR, SRK Boycott
Several political voices have publicly called for Bangladeshi players to be barred from the IPL, and there have been calls to boycott KKR matches. There have been personal attacks directed at KKR’s co-owner, Shah Rukh Khan, as well.
Hindu spiritual leader Devkinandan Thakur publicly urged Shah Rukh Khan and the KKR management to reverse the decision to sign Mustafizur. Thakur claimed that the acquisition had hurt religious sentiments, threatening a boycott if the Bangladeshi pacer was not dropped from the squad.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Sangeet Singh Som took it a step further, branding Shah Rukh a “traitor” and demanding that Bangladeshi players be allowed to play in India.
Mustafizur Rahman’s IPL Record
The Knight Riders had secured Mustafizur Rahman at the IPL 2026 auction for INR 9.20 crore, significantly higher than his base price of INR 2 crore. The bidding saw strong competition from Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals, before KKR sealed the deal.
The signing made Mustafizur the most expensive Bangladeshi player in IPL history.
Mustafizur Rahman, now 30, has featured in 60 IPL matches, picking up 65 wickets at an economy rate of 8.13. His best performance in the tournament is 4/29, achieved during his stint with Chennai Super Kings in 2024.
The left-arm pacer made his IPL debut with Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2016 and has since represented Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals, Delhi Capitals, and CSK, before being snapped up by Kolkata Knight Riders for IPL 2026.
