Why BCCI Releases Mustafizur Rahman from the Squad
The BCCI releases Mustafizur Rahman from the Kolkata Knight Riders’ IPL 2026 squad after reviewing the recent unrest in Bangladesh. Board secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed that the board acted because several violent attacks on Hindus created a sensitive atmosphere. As a result, BCCI told KKR to release Rahman and pick a replacement. The decision has changed KKR’s planning for the season, and discussions around why the BCCI releases Mustafizur Rahman have spread quickly across the cricketing community.
Political Debate Over Rahman’s KKR Exit
The debate intensified once news broke that the BCCI releases Mustafizur Rahman from the franchise. KKR had purchased him for ₹9.20 crore during the Abu Dhabi mini-auction, but the choice drew criticism as India-Bangladesh tensions rose. Political leaders from the BJP and Shiv Sena questioned KKR and co-owner Shah Rukh Khan for signing a Bangladesh player during a period of unrest. Furthermore, the killing of Dipu Chandra Das and multiple reports of attacks against Hindus added more pressure on the team. Many critics argued that Rahman’s KKR exit was unavoidable, while others questioned whether the BCCI releases Mustafizur Rahman for cricketing or political reasons.
India–Bangladesh Relations Affected by Rahman’s Release
The situation escalated beyond the IPL as observers connected the move to wider diplomatic tensions. Several analysts pointed out that when the BCCI releases Mustafizur Rahman, it signals concern about the regional environment. India’s tour of Bangladesh in September 2026 has now come under the spotlight. Although the Bangladesh Cricket Board announced a schedule of three ODIs and three T20Is, uncertainty continues to grow. Last year, the tour was postponed due to unrest, and Rahman’s release has sparked new questions about whether cricket relations can continue smoothly.
Rahman’s IPL Future After BCCI Releases Him
Mustafizur Rahman’s future in the IPL now appears unclear. Before the BCCI releases Mustafizur Rahman, the Bangladesh Cricket Board had already granted him an NOC for the full season, even allowing him to skip the New Zealand series. Rahman played for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2025, taking four wickets in three matches. Across his career, he has played 60 IPL matches and claimed 65 wickets, representing several major teams including Sunrisers Hyderabad, Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings. However, as the BCCI releases Mustafizur Rahman from KKR, franchises will closely monitor how this decision affects future signings involving Bangladesh players.
