The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has asked Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from their squad for the upcoming IPL 2026 season, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia said on Saturday.
Speaking to ANI, Saikia said, “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. The franchise will be allowed to sign a replacement player if they wish.”
The decision follows growing public and political pressure in India amid the deteriorating diplomatic situation and reported civil unrest in Bangladesh, sources said. The BCCI had initially maintained a “wait and watch” approach before taking the directive.
Mustafizur, who was bought by KKR for a record Rs 9.20 crore at the December auction, was expected to play a key role as the team’s death-over specialist. With his release, KKR will have to rework their bowling strategy and may need to rely more on Indian pacers like Harshit Rana and Umran Malik, or adjust their overseas player rotation.
The BCCI has assured that KKR can sign a replacement player, but there is no clarity yet on the refund of the Rs 9.20 crore paid for Mustafizur.
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