Why KKR was asked to release Bangladesh player Mustafizur Rahman

Ritabrata_Banerjee

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Why KKR was asked to release Bangladesh player Mustafizur Rahman image

The Board of Control for Cricket in India has informed three-time Indian Premier League champions Kolkata Knight Riders to release Bangladesh international fast bowler from their squad ahead of the 19th season of the competition.

KKR won the bidding and spent a whopping INR 9.20 crore to sign the left-arm fast bowler, who has vast experience of playing in the IPL.

Before being picked up by KKR at the IPL 2026 mini-auction, Rahman played for franchises like Sunrisers Hyderabad, Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings.

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What did BCCI say on Mustafizur Rahman's omission?

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia has confirmed that the board has urged the franchise to release Rahman from their squad before IPL 2026 commences and they will allow KKR to sign the fast bowler's replacement. However, the trade window is currently closed.

Speaking to ANI, Saikia said: "Due to the recent developments which is going on all across, BCCI has instructed the franchisee KKR to release one of their player Mustafizur Rahman of Bangladesh from their squad and BCCI has also said that if they ask for any replacement, BCCI is going to allow that replacement."

MORE: Will Bangladesh players continue in IPL? Shah Rukh Khan, KKR caught in a political storm

Why KKR was asked to release Mustafizur Rahman?

KKR picking Rahman at the IPL 2026 mini-auction created quite the controversy following the gruesome attacks on religious minorities in Bangladesh last month.

Several fans and politicians have called for KKR to drop Rahman from their squad in the wake of the violence in the neighbouring country.

Giving priority to the general sentiment in the country, the board has taken the call to instruct KKR to drop the pacer from their roster.  

Three players who could replace Mustafizur Rahman in the KKR squad for IPL 2026?

With Rahman set to depart the team, KKR will need to find a like-for-like replacement, as they will be in the market for a quality overseas fast bowling option.

KKR's statement on Mustafizur Rahman

KKR have now confirmed that they have formally released Rahman from their squad. The official statement read:

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. BCCI will allow Kolkata Knight Riders a replacement player in line with IPL regulations, and further details will be communicated in due course.

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Contributing Writer