The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Saturday asked Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from their squad for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed the decision while speaking to news agency ANI. He said the move was taken after recent developments in Bangladesh, where reports emerged of several Hindus being killed.
Saikia also clarified that KKR would be allowed to sign a replacement once Rahman is removed from the squad.
“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.
Rahman Was Bought for INR 9.20 Crore
KKR had signed Rahman during the mini-auction in Abu Dhabi for INR 9.20 crore. The bidding turned into a fierce contest between KKR and Chennai Super Kings (CSK), with KKR eventually securing the left-arm pacer.
However, the signing soon became controversial. Over the past few days, both KKR and co-owner Shah Rukh Khan faced criticism for picking Rahman amid strained diplomatic relations between India and Bangladesh.
Political Backlash Grows Against KKR
Several leaders from the BJP and Shiv Sena criticised KKR and Shah Rukh Khan. They accused the franchise of ignoring national sentiment while making the signing.
Tensions between India and Bangladesh have remained high, especially after the death of Dipu Chandra Das, a Hindu man, in Mymensingh last month.
Reports of more attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh further intensified the backlash. Calls for Rahman’s removal from the IPL squad grew stronger in recent days.
Earlier, BJP leader Sangeet Som had even described Shah Rukh Khan as a “gaddar (traitor)” for signing a Bangladeshi player.
No Comment on India’s Bangladesh Tour
While addressing the Rahman issue, the BCCI secretary did not comment on India’s upcoming tour of Bangladesh.
India are scheduled to play three ODIs and three T20Is in Bangladesh in September 2026. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) announced the schedule on Friday and said the Indian team will arrive in Dhaka on August 28.
The tour was originally planned for August last year but was postponed due to political unrest in Bangladesh.
Rahman’s IPL Career So Far
After being signed by KKR, Rahman had earlier received a no-objection certificate from the BCB. This allowed him to miss Bangladesh’s home series against New Zealand and remain available for the IPL.
In the IPL 2025 season, Rahman played for Delhi Capitals as a replacement player. He featured in three matches and took four wickets.
Across his IPL career, Rahman has played 60 matches and claimed 65 wickets. He has represented Sunrisers Hyderabad, Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals, Delhi Capitals, and Chennai Super Kings in the league.