BCCI Orders KKR to Release Mustafizur Rahman Amid Bangladesh Unrest; BJP Slams SRK as 'Traitor' Over Rs 9.2 Cr IPL Signing
The BCCI has requested Kolkata Knight Riders to release Mustafizur Rahman from their IPL 2026 squad. Following the news, the board also gave KKR an option of appointing someone to make his absence as replacement.
Aadrika Tayal 
New Delhi (India) January 3: Today, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) asked Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Bangladesh player Mustafizur Rahman from their squad for the next edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The fast bowler’s selection drew widespread dissatisfaction amid the growing civil unrest in Bangladesh, yet the franchise was also under the spotlight for the same reason. KKR had in fact signed Mustafizur for Rs 9.2 crore.
BCCI's Firm Directive to KKR
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said PTI was informed that the board had communicated its decision to KKR in view of the current events.
“The BCCI has asked Kolkata Knight Riders to release Mustafizur Rahman from its squad. They can ask for a replacement if needed. And upon request, BCCI will allow a replacement player," BCCI secretary said.
The actions come after days of increased focus when KKR moved to rope in Mustafizur in the IPL auction, setting off reactions worldwide that went beyond cricket to match them in India.
Kaif Urges Patience on Decision
Cricketer Mohammad Kaif of India is going to support the right decision after Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan and Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman faced down the flames ahead of IPL 2026.
"The BCCI will take the decision on this; it’s all in their hands. So I won’t comment much on it since it’s a sensitive matter. Even you guys in the media should play the waiting game and shouldn’t assume anything before it happens. Hence, we shouldn’t jump to conclusions and should wait and watch. The people in the BCCI administration are intelligent individuals. They run the biggest league in the world and know what to do and what not to do,” Kaif told in an interview with India Today.
Auction Backlash Ignites Fury
At the beginning of July, KKR signed Mustafizur and the deal was largely condemned in the field as it drew opposition from segments of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and faith communities. The BJP leader, Kaustav Bagchi, warned the media that Bangladeshi players might be joining IPL games due to be held in Kolkata.
Some Hindu religious preachers and a number of BJP leaders also issued extended criticisms, deeming Shah Rukh Khan a “traitor” for being a part of the franchise and for signing the Bangladeshi player. This controversy has led to split reactions, with several leaders of Congress supporting Shah Rukh Khan, the co-owner of KKR.
BCCI Faces Intense Pressure Over Mustafizur Signing
Pressure on the board had been mounting after the involvement of the Bangladesh cricketer due to the recent slaying of a Hindu man in the country and the expression of India’s concern for the safety of minorities there.
What started out as a cricketing call then developed into a wider debate that pulled the league, the franchise and the BCCI into an intense geopolitical conversation.
