IPL 2026: Big decision of BCCI amid India-Bangladesh tension, instructions to KKR to release Mustafizur Rahman

New Delhi: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has directed Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from their IPL 2026 squad. This decision has been taken in view of the recent tensions in India-Bangladesh relations and reports of attacks on minorities in Bangladesh.

BCCI Secretary Devjit Saikia said, “In view of the recent developments, BCCI has directed the franchise KKR to release one of their Bangladeshi players Mustafizur Rahman from their team and BCCI has also said that if they demand any replacement, BCCI will allow that replacement.”

Mustafizur Rahman was bought by KKR for Rs 9.20 crore in the IPL mini auction held last month, after which there was a lot of controversy over this signing. Many religious and political groups had opposed it, citing incidents of violence against Hindu minorities in Bangladesh.

This decision has come at a time when preparations for the IPL 2026 season are in full swing. At present there has been no official response from KKR on this.