KKR lets Mustafizur Rahman go amid tensions with Bangladesh

KKR acquired Mustafizur Rahman for Rs 9.2 crore. Pic/Getty Images

The Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) has asked Kolkata Knight Riders to release Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from its squad ahead of the IPL's 2026 edition amid the growing strain in bilateral ties between the two countries. KKR had acquired the services of the 30-year-old left-armer for Rs 9.2 crore from a base price of Rs 2 crore after an intense bidding war with Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals.

Mustafizur Rahman and Shah Rukh Khan

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said, "Upon request, BCCI will allow a replacement player." In a statement, KKR said, "We confirm that BCCI/IPL, as the regulator of IPL, has instructed it to release Mustafizur Rahman from the squad ahead of the upcoming IPL season." The pressure had been mounting on the BCCI over Rahman's participation after the recent killing of a Hindu man in the country. The criticism has also extended to KKR co-owner Shah Rukh Khan with some BJP politicians questioning the call.

As a result, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has decided to approach ICC for a change of venue for their matches during the ICC Men's T20 World Cup that India will be hosting jointly with Sri Lanka. Bangladesh is scheduled to play matches against the West Indies (Feb 7, 2026), Italy (Feb 9), and England (Feb 14) at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata and Nepal (Feb 17) at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

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