BCCI Directs Kolkata Knight Riders to Release Mustafizur Rahman Amid Controversy

BCCI's Directive on Mustafizur Rahman

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has mandated that the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) release Bangladeshi cricketer Mustafizur Rahman from their roster for the upcoming IPL 2026 season. The board has also indicated that KKR may seek a replacement for the player. BCCI Secretary Devjit Saikia stated, "In light of recent events, we have instructed KKR to let go of Mustafizur Rahman and will allow them to find a suitable replacement if they request one."

Political Backlash Over Player's Inclusion

The decision to include Rahman has sparked significant political backlash, particularly concerning the treatment of Hindu minorities in Bangladesh. Spiritual leader Devkinandan Thakur publicly criticized Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan for having a Bangladeshi player on his KKR team, expressing outrage over the situation of Hindus in Bangladesh. He remarked, "In Bangladesh, Hindus are facing severe violence, including murder and arson. How can someone, especially a team owner, be so indifferent as to include a player from that country?"

Calls for Apology from KKR Owner

Imam Umer Ahmed Ilyasi, Chief Imam of the All India Imam Organisation, has also called for Shah Rukh Khan to apologize for including Rahman in the KKR squad. He urged Khan to publicly condemn the violence against Hindus in Bangladesh and reconsider the inclusion of the Bangladeshi player. Ilyasi stated, "It is regrettable that KKR chose a Bangladeshi player despite being aware of the atrocities against Hindus. Shah Rukh Khan should apologize and make a statement against these injustices."

Political Figures Weigh In

Sanjay Nirupam, a leader from the Shiv Sena party, advised Khan to remove the Bangladeshi player from his team to avoid becoming a target of public anger. He warned that anyone associated with Bangladesh could face backlash given the current sentiments in India. Nirupam stated, "For his own safety and to protect national interests, it would be wise for Shah Rukh Khan to part ways with the Bangladeshi player."

Congress Critiques BCCI's Decision

In response to the unfolding controversy, Congress leader Supriya Shrinate questioned the BCCI's role in allowing Bangladeshi players to participate in the IPL auction. She demanded accountability from the BCCI and the ICC, particularly targeting Jay Shah, the Home Minister's son, for his involvement in cricket governance. Shrinate remarked, "Who authorized the inclusion of Bangladeshi players in the auction pool? This is a crucial question for the BCCI and ICC to address."

Next Steps for KKR

With the BCCI's intervention, KKR is now tasked with finding a suitable replacement for Mustafizur Rahman.