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The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has directed Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Bangladesh left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman from their squad for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. The decision was communicated to the franchise on Saturday and is understood to be linked to recent developments in Bangladesh that have raised wider sensitivities, prompting the board to intervene ahead of the upcoming season.
BCCI instructs KKR to release Mustafizur Rahman
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed that the governing body has asked KKR to move on from the Bangladesh international and has also assured the franchise that it will be permitted to sign a replacement. The board’s stance ensures that KKR will not be left short-handed as they prepare their squad for IPL 2026, even though the release was not driven by cricketing reasons.
According to Saikia, the instruction was issued after reviewing the prevailing situation, with the BCCI keen to act decisively to avoid any further complications. While the board has not set a deadline publicly, KKR are expected to complete the formalities soon and initiate the process of identifying an alternative overseas 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,” said Saikia as quoted by ANI.
High-profile auction buy sparks debate
Mustafizur had been one of KKR’s headline acquisitions at the IPL mini-auction held in Abu Dhabi, where the franchise secured him for INR 9.20 crore after a competitive bidding tussle with Chennai Super Kings (CSK). The pacer’s international experience and his reputation for deceptive cutters made him an attractive option for the defending champions, particularly for matches on slower surfaces.
However, the signing quickly became a talking point beyond cricket. Over the past few days, KKR and their ownership group, including co-owner Shah Rukh Khan, faced criticism from sections of fans on social media. The backlash centred on the timing of the move, given the strained atmosphere surrounding India–Bangladesh relations, eventually drawing the attention of the BCCI.
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No clarity yet on India’s Bangladesh tour
With Mustafizur set to exit, KKR’s think tank will now reassess its overseas combination. The franchise is likely to look for a fast bowler who can offer similar skills—variation at the death and experience in pressure situations—while also fitting seamlessly into the team’s broader plans for the season.
The BCCI’s assurance on allowing a replacement provides KKR flexibility, whether they choose to dip into the unsold pool or explore other available options. From the league’s perspective, the move reinforces the board’s intent to keep the IPL insulated from off-field turbulence as much as possible.
Interestingly, the BCCI has remained silent on India’s scheduled white-ball tour of Bangladesh later in the year. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) recently announced that India are slated to play three ODIs and three T20Is in September 2026, with the squad expected to arrive in Dhaka on August 28. The series had earlier been postponed due to unrest in the country.
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