Politics and cricket have once again merged into one. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has instructed Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from their squad for IPL 2026, citing the rapidly evolving diplomatic situation between India and Bangladesh.
“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 for any replacement, BCCI is going to allow that replacement,” BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia told ANI on Saturday.
The decision comes just days after senior BCCI officials told InsideSport that there was no plan to ban Bangladeshi players from the IPL and that Mustafizur would be allowed to participate in the 2026 season. However, with diplomatic relations continuing to deteriorate and security concerns mounting, the board has now been forced into a complete rethink. Some protestors and political figures also posed a threat to KKR co-owner Shah Rukh Khan and the KKR team.
Mustafizur was bought by KKR for Rs 9.2 crore at the IPL 2026 auction, becoming the most expensive Bangladeshi player in the tournament’s history. His signing had already triggered strong reactions on social media and from sections of the political spectrum, with many demanding his exclusion amid tensions between the two countries.
KKR allowed to sign replacement
The BCCI has assured Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) that they will be permitted to sign a replacement for Mustafizur, giving the franchise some breathing room ahead of the new season. KKR management is expected to begin scouting alternative overseas options immediately, with the player pool now reshuffled.
Signing Mustafizur for more than nine crores certainly means the three-time IPL champions had him for a major role. However, they will now be in limbo since there aren’t like-for-like replacements available. A death over left-arm pace-bowling specialist! Now, securing Matheesha Pathirana for Rs 18 crore seems like a great deal for Kolkata.
Earlier this month, the BCCI had confirmed that visas would not be an issue for Bangladeshi players, particularly with the T20 World Cup 2026 being hosted in India just before the IPL window. Now, those assurances appear obsolete as BCCI has bowed down to the pressure of a section of fans.
Update by KKR
Below is what the Kolkata Knight Riders’ statement read:
“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. The release has been carried out following due process and consultations, upon the instruction of the Board of Control of Cricket in India. BCCI will allow Kolkata Knight Riders a replacement player in line with IPL regulations, and further details will be communicated in due course.“
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