NEW DELHI: In a major development, the BCCI has asked Kolkata Knight Riders to release Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from their IPL 2026 squad, Board secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed to PTI.
The decision comes amid calls to boycott Bangladeshi players following reports of violence and lynchings targeting the Hindu minority in Bangladesh.
Mustafizur was signed by KKR for the IPL 2026 season, with the Kolkata-based franchise securing the Bangladesh pacer for Rs 9.20 crore at the auction held in December last month.
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The BCCI stated that KKR will be permitted to name a replacement player if needed.
"The BCCI has asked Kolkata Knight Riders to release Mustafizur Rahman from its squad. They can ask for replacement, if needed. And upon request, BCCI will allow a replacement player," Saikia told PTI on Saturday.
Asked why the BCCI has asked Kolkata Knight Riders to do so, he replied, "Because of recent developments all across."
The pressure had been mounting on the BCCI over the participation of the Bangladesh cricketer amid recent killing of a Hindu man in the country and India's expression of concern for the safety of minorities there.
KKR issue a statement following the development
In a statement, the franchise said it acted on the instruction from the BCCI.
"Kolkata Knight Riders confirms that BCCI/IPL as the regulator of IPL has instructed it to release Mustafizur Rahman from the squad ahead of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season.
"The release has been carried out following due process and consultations, upon the instruction of the Board of Control of Cricket in India," said KKR.
Bilateral cricket uncertain
India and Bangladesh cricket boards had postponed a white-ball bilateral series last year. The Bangladesh Cricket Board on Friday said the series will be played there in September this year.
However, the BCCI is non-committal on the schedule and is unlikely to agree to it given the volatile political situation in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh are also scheduled to play their T20 World Cup games in India next month.
The relationship between two countries hit a rough note after the ouster of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India in August last year following anti-government protests.
She was sentenced to death in absentia by a tribunal this year for her alleged role in a deadly crackdown during the agitation in which several students were killed.
Dhaka summoned Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma five times over various issues, while India summoned Bangladesh's High Commissioner Reaz Hamidullah once to express concerns over security in Bangladesh.
The transition, from what was widely regarded as an "India-friendly" Awami League government to Muhammad Yunus-led interim dispensation, significantly altered Bangladesh's diplomatic position.
Dhaka's engagement with Pakistan to deepen ties further complicated the regional equation.
(With PTI Inputs)
