IPL 2026: KKR release Mustafizur Rahman following BCCI directive
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New Delhi: The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have confirmed that Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman has been released from their Indian Premier League (IPL) squad following instructions from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), amid controversy surrounding the player’s participation in the cash-rich tournament.
In an official statement, the franchise said, “Kolkata Knight Riders confirms that BCCI/IPL, as the regulator of IPL, has instructed the team to release Mustafizur Rahman from the squad ahead of the upcoming IPL season. The release has been carried out following due process and consultations, as per the Board’s instructions. BCCI will allow Kolkata Knight Riders to name a replacement player in line with IPL regulations, and further details will be communicated in due course.”
Earlier on Saturday, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed the directive, stating that the board had asked the three-time champions to release Rahman while also permitting them to find a replacement. “The BCCI has instructed KKR to release Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from their squad and allowed the franchise to name a replacement,” he told.
The decision comes after reports of violence against members of the Hindu community in Bangladesh in December, which triggered criticism of Rahman’s participation in the IPL.
Rahman had made headlines after KKR acquired him for a record Rs 9.20 crore at the December mini-auction, making him the highest-paid Bangladeshi cricketer in IPL history. The pacer was purchased from a starting bid of Rs 2 crore, following a bidding war between Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals.
The 30-year-old has taken 65 wickets in 60 IPL matches since his debut with Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2016, maintaining an economy rate of 8.13. Over the years, he has represented multiple franchises: Mumbai Indians in 2018, Rajasthan Royals in 2021, Delhi Capitals in 2022-23, and Chennai Super Kings in 2024.
In IPL 2025, he played for Delhi Capitals as an injury replacement for Jake Fraser-McGurk.
With IANS inputs