In light of the deteriorating bilateral relations between the two nations, the BCCI has requested that the Kolkata Knight Riders remove Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman from their lineup prior to the 2026 Indian Premier League.
Following a fierce bidding war with Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals at the players’ auction last month, KKR bought the 30-year-old left-armer’s services for Rs 9.20 crore from a base price of Rs 2 crore.
According to the BCCI, KKR may designate a replacement player if necessary.
“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,” PTI quoted BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia as saying in Guwahati on Saturday.
When asked why the Kolkata Knight Riders were required to comply by the BCCI, he said, “Because of recent developments all across.”
In light of the recent murder of a Hindu man in Bangladesh and India’s expressed concern for the safety of minorities there, pressure had been building on the BCCI about the cricketer’s participation.
Bollywood superstar and KKR co-owner Shah Rukh Khan has also come under fire; several BJP leaders have questioned the decision to include the bowler in the current situation.
Since 2016, Rahman has participated in eight IPL seasons, with the exception of 2019 and 2020.
Sunrisers Hyderabad, Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals, Chennai Super Kings, and Rajasthan Royals are just a few of the clubs he has represented. For the three-time IPL winners KKR, the forthcoming edition was going to be his first.
