The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has asked Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to remove Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from their IPL 2026 squad. This decision comes at a time when relations between India and Bangladesh are under strain following reports of violence against Hindus in Bangladesh.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed that KKR has been told to release the left-arm pacer. He also said the franchise will be allowed to bring in a replacement player.
“Due to the recent developments which is going on all across, BCCI has instructed the franchisee KKR to release one of their player Mustafizur Rahman of Bangladesh from their squad and BCCI has also said that if they ask for any replacement, BCCI is going to allow that replacement,” Saikia told ANI.
#WATCH | Guwahati | BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia says, “Due to the recent developments that are going on all across, BCCI has instructed the franchise KKR to release one of their players, Mustafizur Rahman of Bangladesh, from their squad and BCCI has also said that if they ask… pic.twitter.com/53oxuRcmZp
— ANI (@ANI) January 3, 2026
KKR had signed Mustafizur for ₹9.20 crore during the IPL mini-auction held in Abu Dhabi after a strong bidding contest with Chennai Super Kings.
Why Mustafizur Rahman’s signing triggered backlash
The row over Mustafizur’s selection started after the death of Dipu Chandra Das, a Hindu man, in Bangladesh’s Mymensingh district last month. This incident, along with other reports of attacks on Hindus, caused widespread concern and anger in India.
As tensions between the two countries grew, many questioned KKR’s decision to sign a Bangladeshi cricketer during such a sensitive period. Public pressure increased as more incidents were reported, with calls growing louder for Mustafizur to be dropped from the squad.
BCCI avoids comment on India’s Bangladesh series
Although the BCCI confirmed Mustafizur’s removal, it did not say anything about India’s upcoming tour of Bangladesh. India are set to play three ODIs and three T20Is there in September 2026.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board has announced that the Indian team will reach Dhaka on August 28. The tour had earlier been postponed because of unrest in the country.
Mustafizur Rahman’s IPL record
After being signed by KKR, Mustafizur had received a no-objection certificate from the Bangladesh Cricket Board, allowing him to skip a home series against New Zealand and remain available for the IPL.
In IPL 2025, he featured for Delhi Capitals as a replacement player and picked up four wickets in three matches.
Overall, Mustafizur has played 60 IPL matches and taken 65 wickets. During his career, he has represented Sunrisers Hyderabad, Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals, Delhi Capitals and Chennai Super Kings.
