The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has asked Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Bangladesh Pacer Mustafizur Rahman ahead of the IPL 2026 season.
The 30-year-old left-arm bowler joined KKR for INR 9.20 crore after an intense bidding war with Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals during the IPL 2026 auction.
The BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia has said that KKR will be allowed to name a replacement if required.
The statement came after the recent killing of a Hindu youth in Bangladesh. The Kolkata Knight Riders has acted based on the directive from BCCI.
“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 IPL season.”
KKR Media Advisory. 🔽 pic.twitter.com/ZUZB620Uv7
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) January 3, 2026
“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,” the statement read.
The BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia has ended speculations over the left-arm pacer’s future in the league. Clarifying the board’s position, Saikia said Kolkata has been formally asked to part ways with Bangladesh cricketer.
“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,” said BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia.
The situation has been escalated as opposition emerged from sections of the political spectrum and various and religious groups, with the backlash intensifying in the days following the auction.
The controversy surrounding Mustafizur’s inclusion gathered pace after BJP leader Kaustav Bagchi publicly raised objections over the participation of Bangladeshi players in IPL fixtures held in Kolkata.
Mustafizur Rahman has featured in eight IPL editions since 2016, missing the tournament only in 2019 and 2020.
