Amid rising tensions between India and Bangladesh, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has asked the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from their squad for the upcoming 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. The decision comes after growing criticism surrounding KKR's inclusion of Rahman, fueled by concerns over reported attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh and strained bilateral relations.
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed the directive, stating that the franchise would be permitted to seek a replacement for Rahman if needed. "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," Saikia told news agency ANI, adding that the BCCI would approve a replacement request from KKR.
KKR had acquired the 30-year-old left-arm pacer for a significant sum of INR 9.20 crore (approximately $1.1 million USD) at the IPL auction last month, outbidding Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals. Rahman's selection sparked immediate controversy, drawing criticism towards KKR and its co-owner, Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan. Political figures and religious leaders questioned the decision to include a Bangladeshi player given the backdrop of strained relations and reports of violence against minorities in Bangladesh.
The pressure on the BCCI intensified following the killing of a Hindu man in Mymensingh, Bangladesh, last month, coupled with India's expression of concern regarding the safety of minorities in the neighboring country. Some political voices even accused Shah Rukh Khan of disregarding national sentiments by including Rahman in the KKR squad.
Rahman has been a regular participant in the IPL since 2016, having played for several franchises, including Sunrisers Hyderabad, Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals, Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals. He only missed the 2019 and 2020 seasons. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) had granted Rahman a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) to participate in the entire IPL season, allowing him to miss the home series against New Zealand.
The BCCI's decision highlights the increasing intersection of politics and sports. While some defend the move as prioritizing national sentiment, others criticize it as unfair to players who are caught in geopolitical crossfires. Former Indian cricketer Madan Lal expressed concern over the growing intrusion of politics into sports, stating that players are unfairly being caught in the crossfire.
KKR has yet to issue a formal statement regarding the BCCI's directive. The franchise will now need to identify a suitable replacement for Rahman as they prepare for the upcoming IPL season. The trade window is currently closed. The incident also casts a shadow on the future of India-Bangladesh cricketing ties. A planned white-ball series was postponed last year, and the rescheduling remains uncertain.
