KKR co-owner and Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan also found himself among the criticism from some politicians of the BJP ruling party, who questioned the inclusion of the Bangladeshi pacer in the current scenario
Mustafizur Rahman (Pic File Pic)
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has asked Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Bangladesh player Mustafizur Rahman from its squad ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, considering the growing bilateral tensions between the two nations.
The Kolkata-based franchise acquired the services of Rahman for Rs 9.20 crore during the intense bidding war with Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals at the auction last month.
"The BCCI has asked Kolkata Knight Riders to release Mustafizur Rahman from its squad. They can ask for replacement, if needed. And upon request, BCCI will allow a replacement player," BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia told PTI.
When asked about the reason why the Indian cricket board has asked KKR to take action, Saikia replied, "Because of recent developments all across".
The pressure had been mounting on the BCCI over Rahman's participation after the recent killing of a Hindu man in the country and India's expression of concern for the safety of minorities.
KKR co-owner and Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan also found himself among the criticism from some politicians of the BJP ruling party, who questioned the inclusion of the Bangladeshi pacer in the current scenario.
So far, Mustafizur Rahman has featured in eight IPL editions since 2016. He missed out on the 2019 and 2020 editions of the cash-rich league.
Over the years, he represented teams such as Sunrisers Hyderabad, Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals, Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals. The upcoming IPL 2026 was going to be his first season with Kolkata.
India and Bangladesh cricket boards had postponed a white-ball bilateral series last year. The Bangladesh Cricket Board on Friday said the series will be played there in September this year. However, the BCCI is non-committal on the schedule and is unlikely to agree to it given the volatile political situation in Bangladesh.
The relationship between the two countries hit a rough note after the ouster of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India in August last year following anti-government protests. She was sentenced to death in absentia by a tribunal this year for her alleged role in a deadly crackdown during the agitation in which several students were killed.
(With PTI Inputs)
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