Mumbai: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has directed IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to drop Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from their squad, citing ongoing developments beyond the cricketing field. The move marks a significant intervention by the cricket board ahead of the IPL 2026 season.
According to sources within the BCCI, the decision was taken after a review of the prevailing situation and its potential impact on the league. While the board has asked KKR to release the Bangladesh pacer, it has also assured the franchise that it will be permitted to sign a replacement player to avoid any disruption to team balance and planning.
Mustafizur Rahman had been picked up by KKR during the IPL mini-auction held last month for a hefty sum of ₹9.20 crore, making him the costliest Bangladeshi player ever bought in the league. At the time, the franchise maintained that the acquisition was purely based on performance and team requirements. However, the signing soon became a subject of heated debate following reports of unrest and violence against minorities in Bangladesh, drawing political and social reactions in India.
As scrutiny intensified, questions were raised over whether international developments should influence participation in a domestic sporting league. The BCCI’s latest directive appears to settle the matter for now, placing responsibility on franchises to align with broader considerations beyond cricket.
