Why Mustafizur Rahman is No Longer Part of Kolkata Knight Riders for IPL 2026
Mustafizur Rahman Released from KKR Ahead of IPL 2026
Guwahati: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has instructed the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Mustafizur Rahman from their roster ahead of the 2026 IPL season, amid escalating tensions in diplomatic relations between India and Bangladesh.
KKR had secured the 30-year-old left-arm pacer for ₹9.20 crore, significantly above his base price of ₹2 crore, following a competitive bidding process that involved Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals during the recent player auction.
According to BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia, KKR is permitted to seek a replacement player if necessary.
Saikia stated, "The BCCI has requested Kolkata Knight Riders to release Mustafizur Rahman from their squad. They can request a replacement if needed, and the BCCI will accommodate that request."
When asked about the rationale behind this decision, he mentioned, "Due to recent developments across the board."
In response, KKR confirmed that they acted in accordance with BCCI's directive.
"Kolkata Knight Riders acknowledges that the BCCI/IPL, as the governing body of the IPL, has mandated the release of Mustafizur Rahman from the squad ahead of the upcoming season," the franchise stated.
The release was executed following proper procedures and consultations as per the BCCI's instructions.
Concerns regarding Rahman's participation had intensified following the recent murder of a Hindu individual in Bangladesh, prompting India to express worries about the safety of minorities in the country.
This situation has also drawn criticism towards KKR co-owner Shah Rukh Khan, with some politicians from the ruling BJP questioning the decision to include Rahman given the current circumstances.
Since 2016, Rahman has participated in eight IPL seasons, missing only the tournaments in 2019 and 2020.
He has played for various franchises, including Sunrisers Hyderabad, Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals, Chennai Super Kings, and Rajasthan Royals. The upcoming season would have marked his debut with KKR, a three-time IPL champion.
Uncertain Bilateral Cricket Relations:
The cricket boards of India and Bangladesh had previously postponed a white-ball bilateral series last year. Recently, the Bangladesh Cricket Board announced that the series is set to take place in September this year.
However, the BCCI remains non-committal about the schedule, likely due to the unstable political climate in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh is also slated to compete in T20 World Cup matches in India next month.
The diplomatic relationship between the two nations has soured following the ousting of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who sought refuge in India last August amid anti-government protests.
This year, she was sentenced to death in absentia for her alleged involvement in a violent crackdown during the protests that resulted in multiple student fatalities.
Dhaka has summoned Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma multiple times over various issues, while India has called upon Bangladesh's High Commissioner Reaz Hamidullah once to voice security concerns.
The shift from what was perceived as an 'India-friendly' Awami League government to a Muhammad Yunus-led interim administration has significantly altered Bangladesh's diplomatic stance.
Additionally, Dhaka's efforts to strengthen ties with Pakistan have further complicated the regional dynamics.