Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman’s IPL 2026 stint with Kolkata Knight Riders has ended abruptly after the franchise was instructed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to cancel his contract. The left-arm pacer had been bought for ₹9.20 crore at the IPL auction, but developments off the field ultimately ruled him out of the tournament.

The decision has triggered a strong response from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), which has reportedly asked for Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup matches scheduled in India to be shifted to Sri Lanka, citing security concerns. The move has added a diplomatic layer to what was initially a cricketing matter.

Mustafizur’s teammate Tanzim Hasan Sakib has now voiced concerns over the uncertainty surrounding Bangladeshi players’ participation in the IPL. Speaking to The Daily Star, Tanzim admitted the reasons behind Mustafizur’s removal were unclear. “It’s not clear why he was removed from the IPL. Maybe there could be political reasons,” he said, while stressing that players prefer politics to stay out of the game. Tanzim added that Bangladeshi cricketers are keen to play in the IPL but may consult agents and board officials more carefully before submitting their names in the future.

Meanwhile, it has emerged that Mustafizur is unlikely to receive any financial compensation following his release from KKR. According to an IPL source quoted by PTI, player salaries are typically insured, but only under specific circumstances such as injuries sustained after joining the squad or during the tournament. In such cases, insurance usually covers up to 50 percent of the contract value.

However, Mustafizur’s situation does not fall under standard insurance provisions. Since his release was not linked to injury or on-field participation, KKR are not contractually obligated to pay any portion of his ₹9.20 crore deal, despite the player having no direct role in the circumstances that led to the termination.

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