KKR Issues Official Statement on Mustafizur Issue

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have released Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman from their IPL 2026 squad. The decision was taken following instructions from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), citing "recent developments."

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia told reporters on Saturday, “Due to the recent events, BCCI has instructed KKR to release Bangladeshi player Mustafizur Rahman.”

Although Saikia did not specify the reason behind the directive, Indian media reports suggest that some religious and political leaders had criticized KKR and the team’s owner Shah Rukh Khan for including Mustafizur in the squad, particularly at a time when attacks on Hindu minorities in Bangladesh were being reported.

In an official statement, KKR said, “Mustafizur has been released following BCCI’s instructions and due process.”

Mustafizur began his IPL career in 2016 and has taken 65 wickets in 60 matches so far. He has previously played for Sunrisers Hyderabad, Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals, Delhi Capitals, and Chennai Super Kings. KKR had acquired him in last year’s auction for INR 9.2 crore.

Currently, Mustafizur is playing for Rangpur Riders in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). He was the only Bangladeshi cricketer to secure an IPL contract for the 2026 season.