BCCI asks KKR to release Mustafizur from IPL 2026 squad

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has instructed the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from their squad for the 2026 Indian Premier League.

This move was another indication of the deteriorating relationship between the two neighbours since the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government, which is criticised by the analysts as authoritarian, in 2024, and which had been a close ally of India.

The Indian board has also granted the franchise permission to sign a replacement player.

BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed the directive while speaking to an Indian news agency in Guwahati.

“Due to recent events, the BCCI has instructed the KKR franchise to release the Bangladeshi player Mustafizur Rahman from their team,” Saikia said.

“The BCCI has further stated that if they wish to replace the player, the BCCI will grant that permission as well,” he added. 

The decision comes amidst growing controversy in Bangladesh following reports of violence against religious minorities in India.

In recent weeks, a number of attacks have taken place against Muslim minorities in India. 

The same kind of incidence of religious intolerance took place in Bangladesh as well.

In one incident, a garment worker was killed by a mob that accused him of insulting Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Bangladesh government arrested around a dozen people who were involved in the incident. 

Indian media outlets report that Mustafizur‍‍`s contract with KKR faced intense scrutiny in recent weeks.

Prominent Indian figures had called for his removal, with religious leader Devkinandan Thakur urging KKR management to drop the cricketer.

Along with that, hard-liner BJP leader Sangeet Som publicly criticised franchise owner Shah Rukh Khan for the acquisition.

Mustafizur was the sole Bangladeshi player secured during last month‍‍`s auction, despite seven players from the nation being on the list.

KKR signed him for INR 9.20 crore, a record transfer fee for a Bangladeshi cricketer in the tournament‍‍`s history.

While earlier reports indicated the BCCI was awaiting government guidance regarding the participation of Bangladeshi players, this latest directive confirms the board‍‍`s final stance on the matter.