Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) were left with no option but to part ways with Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman following BCCI’s late order ahead of IPL 2026. KKR acted on the instructions just weeks after signing Mustafizur Rahman for a whopping Rs 9.20 crore in the IPL auction.
They took this tough decision on January 3, 2026, when BCCI Secretary Devjit Saikia confirmed that KKR had been asked to release the Bangladesh fast bowler from the team following political pressure due to several incidents involving the killing of Hindus in the neighboring country.
Big blow for KKR, BCCI orders exclusion of Mustafizur Rahman before IPL 2026
Nearly two hours after BCCI issued instructions to all the franchises, Kolkata Knight Riders officially confirmed that Mustafizur Rahman has been released from the team after completing all the necessary formalities and discussions with the IPL Governing Council.
Also Read: BCCI officially orders KKR to release Mustafizur Rahman ahead of IPL 2026 amid India-Bangladesh tension
In a big relief for KKR, the IPL GC has allowed the franchise to sign a replacement player as per the league rules, and they will announce the replacement soon.
KKR said in an official statement, “Kolkata Knight Riders confirms that BCCI/IPL, as the regulator of the IPL, has directed it to release Mustafizur Rahman from the team ahead of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season.
The release has been made on the instructions of the Board of Control for Cricket in India, after due process and consultation. The BCCI will allow Kolkata Knight Riders one replacement player in line with IPL rules, and further details will be communicated in due course.
to be continued…
