The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has directed Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from their IPL 2026 squad. The move comes amid rising tensions following reports of violence against Hindus in Bangladesh. KKR had acquired Rahman for Rs 9.20 crore during the mini-auction, beating Delhi Capitals and Chennai Super Kings. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed that KKR can sign a replacement player once Rahman is released, ensuring the franchise is not left short-handed for the tournament.
#WATCH | Guwahati | BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia says, “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… pic.twitter.com/53oxuRcmZp
— ANI (@ANI) January 3, 2026
Reason Behind Mustafizur Rahman’s Release
The BCCI asked KKR to release Rahman due to recent incidents in Bangladesh, including attacks on Hindus. Some political leaders also criticised KKR for signing a Bangladesh player during a sensitive period. Rahman has played 60 IPL matches for different teams. Earlier, the Bangladesh Cricket Board had allowed him to play the full IPL 2026 season, even though he would miss Bangladesh’s home series against New Zealand.
