BCCI Asks KKR to Release Bangladesh Pacer Mustafizur Rahman
The development comes as political reactions intensified over KKR’s decision to include a Bangladeshi cricketer
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to instruct Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from their squad for the IPL 2026 season. The board has also said it will allow the franchise to sign a replacement player.
BCCI Secretary Devjit Saikia told ANI that the decision was taken in view of recent developments. He said KKR has been directed to release Mustafizur Rahman and that the board would approve a replacement if the franchise applies for one.
The inclusion of the Bangladeshi player had triggered a political controversy, particularly in the context of recent reports of attacks on Hindu minorities in Bangladesh.
Earlier, spiritual guru Devkinandan Thakur criticised actor Shah Rukh Khan and the management of KKR over the selection of a Bangladeshi cricketer. KKR, three-time IPL champions, had acquired Mustafizur Rahman for Rs 9.20 crore at the IPL auction.
Devkinandan Thakur alleged that Hindus in Bangladesh were facing severe atrocities and questioned the decision to include a player from the country amid such developments.
All India Imam Organisation Chief Imam, Imam Umer Ahmed Ilyasi, also demanded that Shah Rukh Khan apologise for including the Bangladeshi pacer in the KKR squad. He said the actor should condemn the alleged atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh and remove Mustafizur from the team.
Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam earlier urged Shah Rukh Khan to remove the Bangladeshi player, warning that public anger against Bangladesh could turn the actor into a target if the issue was not addressed.
Congress leader Supriya Shrinate, reacting to the controversy, said the focus should be on who allowed Bangladeshi players to be part of the IPL auction pool. She questioned the BCCI and the ICC over the decision and said those responsible should be held accountable.
With the BCCI stepping in, KKR will now have to look for a suitable replacement for Mustafizur Rahman ahead of the IPL 2026 season.
