The Board of Control for Cricket in India has instructed Kolkata Knight Riders to release Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from their squad ahead of the 2026 Indian Premier League season. The development was confirmed exclusively to India Today by BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, bringing clarity to days of speculation surrounding the pacer’s future in the league.
Mustafizur had been signed by KKR during the IPL 2026 mini-auction in December 2025 for Rs 9.20 crore, a move that immediately drew attention. However, the signing soon became a subject of controversy, with opposition emerging from sections of the political spectrum and various religious groups. The backlash intensified in the days following the auction, particularly with IPL matches scheduled to be played in Kolkata.
Speaking exclusively to India Today, Saikia explained the board’s decision and confirmed that the franchise has been formally instructed to part ways with the Bangladesh international.
“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,” Saikia said.
“BCCI has also said that if they ask for any replacement, BCCI is going to allow that replacement,” he added.
The controversy surrounding Mustafizur’s inclusion gathered pace after BJP leader Kaustav Bagchi publicly raised objections over the participation of Bangladeshi players in IPL fixtures held in Kolkata. His remarks were followed by criticism from multiple quarters, with some voices even targeting KKR co-owner and Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan for backing the signing at the auction.
While the BCCI did not directly address the political reactions, Saikia’s statement made it clear that the board took stock of the broader situation before stepping in. The instruction to release Mustafizur is understood to be a preventive measure aimed at avoiding further complications as preparations for IPL 2026 gather momentum.
From a cricketing perspective, the decision leaves KKR with a gap in their overseas fast-bowling resources. Mustafizur, known for his variations and effectiveness in limited-overs cricket, was expected to play a key role, particularly on slower surfaces. However, the BCCI has assured the franchise that they will be permitted to sign a replacement player if they choose to do so.
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