Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) has released Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman after receiving the instruction to do the same from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). KKR purchased the 30-year-old fast bowler for Rs 9.5 crore in the auction ahead of the 2026 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in December.
“Kolkata Knight Riders confirms that BCCI, as the regulator of IPL, has instructed the franchise to release Mustafizur Rahman from the squad ahead of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season,” said KKR in a statement that came shortly after BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia announced communicating the instruction to the three-time IPL champions.
“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.”
Saikia had earlier said that the BCCI had told KKR to release Mustafizur “due to ongoing political and social chaos where several Hindus are being tortured and even murdered, and as its aftermath, several religious organizations in India started warning the BCCI that they create chaos over the venues for the IPL if Mustafizur is seen in action in the IPL.
