BCCI Directs Kolkata Knight Riders to Release Mustafizur Rahman Amid Diplomatic Strain
BCCI's Directive to KKR
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has instructed the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Bangladeshi cricketer Mustafizur Rahman from their roster for the 2026 Indian Premier League season. This decision was made public on Saturday amidst rising diplomatic tensions between India and Bangladesh following the tragic killing of a Hindu man in Bangladesh last December.
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed that the directive was issued due to the ongoing developments in the region. He mentioned that KKR would be permitted to select a replacement for Rahman if necessary.
Rahman, who was acquired by KKR during the players' auction on December 16, was the only Bangladeshi player to attract bids, securing a contract worth Rs 9.2 crore after a competitive bidding process involving Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals.
On Saturday, KKR officially announced the release of Rahman in compliance with the BCCI's instructions.
#WATCH | Guwahati | BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia states, "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
— News Media (@NewsMedia) January 3, 2026
Rahman's signing had previously sparked controversy, with various political factions and spiritual leaders criticizing actor Shah Rukh Khan for bringing the player into the franchise. Spiritual leader Jagadguru Swami Rambhadracharya labeled Khan a “traitor” for his decision, while another leader, Devkinandan Thakur, echoed similar sentiments, urging Khan to reconsider in light of the current situation in Bangladesh.
The Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) party condemned the hiring, labeling Bangladeshis as “enemies” and asserting that Khan should be more attuned to national sentiments. They urged a boycott of foreign players in favor of Indian talent.
Mustafizur Rahman has participated in eight IPL seasons since 2016, representing teams such as Sunrisers Hyderabad, Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals, Chennai Super Kings, and Rajasthan Royals. The upcoming season was set to be his debut with Kolkata Knight Riders.