BCCI’s Top-Level Directive Forces Mustafizur Rahman’s IPL Exit
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) opted not to convene a formal meeting or consult all members before directing Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from their squad for the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL), according to sources.
On January 3, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed to the media that the board had instructed the three-time IPL champions to let go of the 30-year-old left-arm pacer, who was acquired for INR 9.20 crore during the mini-auction in Abu Dhabi after intense bidding involving Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals.
The move followed public criticism in India over reported killings of Hindus in Bangladesh, which sparked backlash against KKR and its co-owner Shah Rukh Khan. KKR complied with the directive last week, and the franchise is permitted to select a replacement player.
A report revealed that the decision originated from the BCCI’s highest echelons, bypassing broader consultation with board members and the IPL governing council. “We ourselves got to know about this through the media. There was no discussion. No suggestion was taken from our side,” The Indian Express quoted a BCCI official as stating.
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Saikia had earlier explained the rationale to news agency PTI, saying, “Due to the recent developments that are going on all across, BCCI has instructed the franchise KKR to release one of their players, Mustafizur Rahman of Bangladesh, from their squad.”
In response, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) approached the International Cricket Council (ICC) to request shifting its T20 World Cup matches away from India to Sri Lanka. On Monday, the Bangladesh government announced an indefinite halt to IPL broadcasts and telecasts in the country, citing the decision as painful to its people.
Asif Nazrul, advisor for Youth and Sports in Bangladesh’s interim government, stated on Facebook: “We won’t stand for any insult to Bangladesh’s cricket, cricketers and the country. The days of slavery are over.”
Meanwhile, India’s planned tour to Bangladesh for three ODIs and three T20Is in September 2026 remains uncertain, pending government clearance from the BCCI side.