The BCCI had asked Kolkata Knight Riders to release Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from its squad ahead of the Indian Premier League’s 2026 edition amid the growing strain in bilateral ties between the two countries.
KKR had acquired the services of the 30-year-old left-armer for Rs 9.20 crore from a base price of Rs 2 crore after an intense bidding war with Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals at the players’ auction last month.
The BCCI said KKR will be allowed to name a replacement player if required.
When asked for a reason behind the suggestion, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said, “Because of recent developments all across.”
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) then announced that it will “not travel to India” for next month’s Men’s T20 World Cup and formally requested the International Cricket Council (ICC) to “consider relocating Bangladesh’s matches outside India”.
Bangladesh is currently scheduled to play three league-stage matchesin Kolkata, followed by its final league fixture in Mumbai.
“It is being informed that a directive from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has come to light regarding the exclusion of Bangladeshi star player Mr. Mustafizur Rahman from the Kolkata Knight Riders team for the Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket tournament, scheduled to be held from 26 March 2026. No rational reason for such a decision by the Indian Cricket Board is known, and such a decision has pained, saddened, and aggrieved the people of Bangladesh,” a statement from the Bangladesh Government read.
“Under these circumstances, until further notice, a request is made as per instructions to stop the broadcast/telecast of all matches and programmes of the Indian Premier League (IPL).”
“This order is issued with the approval of the proper authority and in the public interest.”
Published on Jan 05, 2026
Discover more from News Link360
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
