Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Aminul Islam Bulbul has dismissed rumors that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had approached Mustafizur Rahman about bringing him back to the IPL. The board chief said that no such discussion took place between the two boards on Mustafizur.
Following attacks and targeted killings of Hindus in the neighboring country, the BCCI asked Kolkata Knight Riders to drop Mustafizur from their team. The move was seen as disrespect towards the Bangladesh Cricket Board and led to new tensions in cricket relations between the two countries.
I did not have any written or oral discussion – BCB President
Reports in Bangladesh have revealed that the Board of Control for Cricket in India is trying to mend strained relations by opening the door for Mustafizur Rahman to return to the IPL.
However, Aminul Islam Bulbul closed the matter saying that nothing of the sort had happened. He said that neither he nor anyone in the BCB had spoken to the BCCI about Mustafizur and that the reports were false.
Azkar newspaper quoted Bulbul as saying, “I have not had any written or verbal discussion (with BCCI) regarding Mustafiz’s (return to IPL). I have not spoken to anyone from my board about this. There is no truth in this news.”
Bangladesh raises security concerns, asks ICC to shift T20 World Cup games
Following Mustafizur’s release, the BCCI took the issue to the International Cricket Council (ICC) and said it was not comfortable sending its team to India for the T20 World Cup due to security concerns. The board said it would play those games in Sri Lanka, which is also hosting the tournament.
The team led by Liton Das currently has to play four World Cup matches in Kolkata and Mumbai. It is noteworthy that ICC has not yet said that it will change the venues.
BCB continues to pursue its case. It sent a more detailed message on January 8, listing specific security concerns and again asking the ICC to move the matches out of India. He said the ICC has shown willingness to review the situation.
KKR signs Mustafizur for Rs 9.20 crore in IPL 2026 mini auction
Three-time IPL champions Kolkata Knight Riders signed Mustafizur Rahman for Rs 9.20 crore in the IPL 2026 mini-auction in Abu Dhabi on December 16. They secured them after a long bidding war with Chennai Super Kings.
With Mustafizur no longer a part of the team, KKR will now have to find another bowler who can play his role, especially in the death overs, where he is known for his control and experience.
Seven players from Bangladesh were included in the IPL 2026 auction list. While six of them did not sell, Mustafizur attracted keen interest due to his reputation as a reliable death over expert.
Meanwhile, India are scheduled to tour Bangladesh for six white-ball matches in September 2026. The tour was originally planned for August 2025, but was postponed due to political tensions and scheduling issues.
Also Read: BCCI officially orders KKR to release Mustafizur Rahman ahead of IPL 2026 amid India-Bangladesh tension
