The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) officially released Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman on Saturday, acting on a direct order from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
The decision follows weeks of political pressure and public backlash surrounding the player’s inclusion in the Indian Premier League (IPL) amid deteriorating diplomatic relations between India and Bangladesh.
In a press statement issued Jan. 3, KKR confirmed the release was a regulatory instruction rather than a franchise choice. "Kolkata Knight Riders confirms that BCCI/IPL... has instructed it to release Mustafizur Rahman from the squad," the team stated.
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed the move, citing "recent developments" as the primary reason. This refers to rising tensions following reports of violence against minorities in Bangladesh, which have triggered protests and security concerns in India.
The controversy also targeted KKR co-owner and Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan. Politicians and right-wing groups criticized the actor for signing a Bangladeshi player, with some labeling the move "anti-national."
Industry analysts noted that while KKR fought an intense bidding war to sign the 30-year-old for $1.1 million (Rs 9.20 crore) last month, the franchise had no legal choice but to comply with the governing body's directive.
The BCCI will allow KKR to sign a replacement player from the pool of unsold auction talent.
A veteran of eight IPL seasons, Mustafizur has played for five other franchises. This would have been his first season with the three-time champion KKR.
The 2026 IPL season is scheduled to run from March to May.
The move marks a rare instance of the BCCI intervening in franchise rosters for geopolitical reasons, signaling a shift in how international tensions may affect the world’s most lucrative cricket league.
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