BCCI asks KKR to release Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from its squad amid controversy

The Board of Control for Cricket in India has asked IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders to release Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from its squad, Board secretary Devajit Saikia told news agency PTI.

"The BCCI has asked Kolkata Knight Riders to release Mustafizur Rahman from its squad. They can ask for replacement, if needed. And upon request, BCCI will allow a replacement player," BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia told PTI on Saturday.

Asked why the BCCI has asked Kolkata Knight Riders to do so, he replied, "Because of recent developments all across."


Months before the 2026 IPL season, a controversy erupted after three-time champion Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) signed Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman for ₹9.20 crore in the auction.

This comes after tensions surrounding the safety of Hindus in Bangladesh have been heightened. Dipu Chandra Das, a worker in a garment factory in Bangladesh's Mymensingh district, was beaten to death by a mob over alleged blasphemy charges, had his body hanged and set on fire on December 18, 2025.

Meanwhile, another Hindu youth identified as Amrit Mondal was lynched at Hosendanga village of Kalimohor union in Rajbari's Pangsha sub-district over an extortion allegation. Many protests broke out across the country, calling for strict action against the neighbouring country.