NEW DELHI: Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman is set to miss out on any financial compensation after being released by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on the instructions of the BCCI, even though he had no involvement in the events that led to the termination of his contract.
Mustafizur, who was purchased by KKR for Rs 9.20 crore at the IPL auction amid strong interest from Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals, was let go following recent attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh - a situation that prompted the Indian board to intervene.
In response, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has requested that their T20 World Cup matches be relocated from India to Sri Lanka.
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The decision has sparked discussions around the player's rights, particularly since Mustafizur neither withdrew voluntarily nor faced any allegations. However, sources suggest that the existing insurance and contractual arrangements leave little scope for compensation.
"The salaries of all IPL players are insured. For foreign international players, normally the franchise pays if he is injured after joining the camp or during the course of the tournament.
"Normally up to 50 percent is paid from insurance. It is better for India's injured centrally contracted cricketers who normally get paid by the BCCI," an IPL source in the know of things told PTI on condition of anonymity.
However, Mustafizur's case does not fall under the standard insurance clauses. Since the release was not due to injury or a cricketing reason linked to participation in the league, KKR are not contractually bound to pay him any amount.
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"In case of an insurance claim, this current situation isn't covered so KKR are under no official obligation to pay a penny.
"It is unfortunate but Mustafiz doesn't have much option but to take a legal route and that too IPL comes under Indian law jurisdiction. No overseas cricketer would want to go through this or take the Court of Arbitration of Sport (CAS) route," the source said.
The source further explained that the broader geopolitical context also acts as a deterrent.
"The Indo-Bangladesh political scenario is way more fluid than Indo-Pak and it can change next year, so why would one take the risk of legal recourse," the source added.
As things stand, despite being a high-value acquisition and having no disciplinary or professional breach against him, Mustafizur appears set to walk away empty-handed, underscoring the limitations of player protection in situations driven by political and administrative considerations rather than sport.
