The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will be forced to split ways with their star signing, Mustafizur Rahman, ahead of the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season, after a directive from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Saturday, January 3. The three-time winners paid INR 9.20 crore for the Bangladesh pacer during the 2026 mini auction in Abu Dhabi on December 16.
The BCCI’s directives follow widespread turmoil in Bangladesh and harsh criticism from numerous Indian personalities. Several figures chastised franchise owner Shah Rukh Khan and requested that the player be removed from the competition entirely.
West Bengal political leaders warned severe consequences if Mustafizur Rahman performed at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens during the season.
Given the current turbulent scenario in Bangladesh and tense diplomatic relations with India, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia disclosed that KKR has been instructed to dismiss the player from the squad immediately, while assuring that the governing body will sanction a replacement.
#WATCH | Guwahati | BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia says, "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 and BCCI has also said that if they ask… pic.twitter.com/53oxuRcmZp
— ANI (@ANI) January 3, 2026“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 and BCCI has also said that if they ask for any replacement, BCCI is going to allow that replacement,” the BCCI Secretary told ANI.
KKR won Rahman’s services at the auction after a protracted bidding war with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). The three-time winners must now find a replacement with similar talents and qualifications for the upcoming season.
Seven Bangladeshi players were part of the IPL 2026 Auction
Seven Bangladeshi players namely — Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Nahid Rana, Rakibul Hasan, Md Shoriful Islam and Mustafizur Rahman were featured on the shortlist that had been prepared for the IPL 2026 Auction. The 10 franchises were simply not intrigued by six other bowlers, but the wily old left-arm seamer created interest due to his standing as an excellent death bowler.
Meanwhile, India are due to visit Bangladesh for six white-ball games in September 2026. The visit had been planned to take place in August 2025, but was delayed by political turmoil in the region and scheduling difficulties.
