New Delhi, 3 January. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have released Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from their IPL 2026 squad following instructions from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
KKR stated, “The franchise clarifies that the BCCI, as the regulator of IPL, has directed them to release Mustafizur Rahman from the team ahead of the upcoming Indian Premier League season. This release has been carried out following the correct procedure and advice as per BCCI’s instructions. According to IPL rules, BCCI will allow KKR to select a replacement player. Further information will be shared in due course.”
Earlier, BCCI secretary Devjit Saikia had instructed KKR on Saturday to release Mustafizur Rahman and permitted the team to choose a replacement player.
This decision comes in the wake of recent violent incidents against the Hindu community in Bangladesh. In December, a garment worker named Dipu Chandra Das was beaten to death by a mob in Mymensingh district over allegations of blasphemy, although he was later found innocent. Shortly after, another Hindu youth was lynched in Hosendanga village of Kalimohar Union, Pangsha sub-district, Rajbari. Following these events, social and religious organisations in India campaigned for Mustafizur Rahman to be removed from the KKR squad.
Mustafizur Rahman was bought by KKR for ₹9.20 crore in the IPL 2026 auction.
The 30-year-old is one of Bangladesh’s premier fast bowlers and has played in leagues worldwide. He has been part of the IPL since 2016, representing teams including Sunrisers Hyderabad, Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals, Delhi Capitals, and Chennai Super Kings. In 60 IPL matches, he has taken 65 wickets.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.