The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) told the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from their squad for the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. This decision follows recent changes in India-Bangladesh relations and growing issues regarding Rahman’s spot on the KKR team.
BCCI orders KKR to Release Mustafizur Rahman
The BCCI also mentioned that KKR can look for a replacement for Rahman if needed. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed this order, citing “recent developments” as the reason for the decision. Saikia noted that the board would allow KKR to request a replacement player if they wish to do so.
The controversy increased after KKR, which actor Shah Rukh Khan co-owns, signed Mustafizur Rahman for ₹9.20 crore in the IPL mini-auction. Political leaders from parties like Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) criticized the move. They connected it to national security and recent violence against Hindus in Bangladesh.
Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif urged everyone to be careful. He stressed that the BCCI can manage the situation. Kaif advised stakeholders to “wait and watch” instead of jumping to conclusions. He pointed out the sensitivity of the matter and the need for a careful response.
Led political controversy
Political figures from different parties have also weighed in on the controversy. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said that cricket should not bear the weight of political or communal issues. Tharoor argued that Rahman, as a professional athlete, should not be blamed for events in Bangladesh and warned against mixing politics with sports decisions.
The backlash against Shah Rukh Khan and KKR has included calls for a total boycott of Bangladeshi and Pakistani players in the IPL. Some leaders have tied this issue to wider worries about the safety of minorities in Bangladesh and its effect on India-Bangladesh relations.
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