The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) of the Indian Premier League (IPL) have been instructed to release fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from their squad. This directive comes from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) amid ongoing tensions between India and Bangladesh.
KKR has confirmed that the release of Rahman followed the proper procedures as outlined by the BCCI. The franchise also noted that it will be allowed to acquire a replacement player according to IPL regulations, with additional details to be shared soon.
According to BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, the decision to release Rahman was influenced by recent events affecting relations between the two nations. Rahman, 30, has an impressive IPL track record, having played for several franchises over the years, including Sunrisers Hyderabad and Mumbai Indians, taking 65 wickets in 60 matches.
Signed by KKR for a reported fee of 92 million Indian rupees, Rahman became the most expensive Bangladeshi player in IPL history during last month’s auction. The IPL’s 19th season is set to kick off on March 26, following the Twenty20 World Cup, which India and Sri Lanka will co-host starting in February.
Tensions between India and Bangladesh have intensified, particularly following a violent incident in Bangladesh where factory worker Dipu Chandra Das was killed amid accusations of blasphemy. Protests erupted outside Bangladesh’s High Commission in New Delhi in response, further straining bilateral ties that have been fragile since the political unrest surrounding former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
In light of these developments, the BCCI and KKR are navigating the implications for the IPL, balancing competitive integrity with the broader political context.