Desk Correspondent , Kolkata - The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially instructed the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from their squad for the upcoming 2026 IPL season. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed the decision on Saturday, citing "recent developments all across" as the primary reason for the directive. KKR had recently acquired the 30-year-old left-armer for a record ₹9.20 crore during the mini-auction in Abu Dhabi after a fierce bidding war. The board has clarified that KKR will be permitted to sign a replacement player to fill the gap in their bowling lineup.

The move comes after days of intense political and social pressure on the franchise and its co-owner, Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan. Several political leaders and spiritual figures had criticized the inclusion of a Bangladeshi player, linking it to the reported mistreatment and killing of Hindu minorities in Bangladesh. The controversy escalated when some politicians labeled the decision to hire Rahman as "anti-national" and "against the sentiments of the country." The BCCI’s intervention aims to de-escalate the situation, which had shifted from a tactical cricketing move to a sensitive geopolitical debate.

Mustafizur Rahman was the only player from Bangladesh to find a team in the 2026 auction pool. While he has been a consistent performer in the IPL since 2016, playing for various teams like Sunrisers Hyderabad and Chennai Super Kings, his participation this year became a focal point for public anger. With the BCCI now stepping in, the focus for KKR shifts to finding a suitable replacement before the season begins. Meanwhile, the decision highlights how international diplomatic relations and domestic sentiments can sometimes impact the world’s richest cricket league.