The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) directed Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) Dropping the Bangladesh left arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the staff for Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. The decision was conveyed to the franchise on Saturday and is understood to be linked to recent events that have raised wider sensitivities in Bangladesh and prompted the board to intervene ahead of the upcoming season.
BCCI instructs KKR to release Mustafizur Rahman
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia He confirmed that the governing body has asked KKR to pass on the Bangladesh international while also assuring the franchise that he will be allowed to sign a replacement. The board’s stance, though the omission is not due to cricketing reasons, ensures that KKR will not be short-changed as they prepare their teams for IPL 2026.
According to Saikia, the directive was issued after reviewing the current situation and BCCI is ready to act decisively to prevent any mishap. Although the board has not set a clear deadline, KKR is expected to complete the formalities soon and start the process of identifying an alternate overseas player.
“Due to recent events happening everywhere, BCCI franchisee has instructed KKR to drop one of their Bangladeshi players from the team and BCCI has also said that if they want any substitution, BCCI will allow that substitution.” Saikia was quoted as saying by ANI.
A high-profile auction leads to controversy
Mustafizur was one of KKR’s key acquisitions in the IPL mini-auction in Abu Dhabi, where he guaranteed INR 9.20 crore after a competitive bidding dispute with the franchise. Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Pacer’s international experience and reputation for deceptive cutters made him an attractive option for the defending champions, especially for matches on slower surfaces.
However, the signing quickly became a talking point outside of cricket. In the last few days, KKR and their ownership group, including the co-owner Shah Rukh Khanhas faced criticism from some sections of his fans on social media. Given the tense atmosphere surrounding India-Bangladesh relations, the reaction that ultimately caught the BCCI’s attention was the timing of the move.
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There is still no clarity on India’s tour of Bangladesh
With Mustafizur all set to exit, KKR’s think tank will now reassess its overseas combination. The franchise is likely to look for a fast bowler who can offer similar skills – variation at the death and experience in pressure situations – while fitting perfectly into the team’s wider plans for the season.
BCCI allowing the change gives KKR flexibility, whether it’s to enter the unsold pool or explore other available options. From the league’s point of view, the move reinforces the board’s determination to keep the IPL free from off-field turbulence as much as possible.
Interestingly, the BCCI has remained silent on India’s planned white-ball tour of Bangladesh later in the year. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) It recently announced that India is scheduled to play three ODIs and three T20Is in September 2026, with the squad arriving in Dhaka on August 28. The series was earlier postponed due to unrest in the country.
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