Bangladesh left-arm fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman will no longer feature in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. The (BCCI) has instructed Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release the player from their squad in view of the deteriorating diplomatic relations between India and Bangladesh.
According to sources, the decision was taken after reviewing the current geopolitical situation. The BCCI has clarified that KKR will be allowed to sign a replacement player in place of Mustafizur Rahman, subject to approval.
KKR had acquired the Bangladeshi pacer for ₹9.20 crore during the IPL 2026 mini-auction, making him the most expensive Bangladeshi player in IPL history.
following his inclusion in the squad, KKR faced significant criticism on social media platforms. Several fans, along with some political and religious leaders, raised objections to the participation of a Bangladeshi player in the IPL amid rising tensions between the two countries.
the situation has been further complicated by political instability in Bangladesh after the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government in August 2024. The unrest has led to multiple violent incidents across the country. Recently, the brutal killing of two Hindus triggered nationwide protests, drawing international attention. Despite the IPL decision, the Bangladesh national team is set to participate in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. The BCCI is in continuous communication with the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) regarding visa-related matters for Bangladeshi players.
Bangladesh is scheduled to play its group-stage matches in Kolkata and Mumbai, and officials have expressed confidence that there will be no major obstacles concerning player visas.
Notably, no IPL franchise bid for any Bangladeshi player during the IPL 2025 mega auction. However, KKR’s decision to invest heavily in Mustafizur during the IPL 2026 mini-auction had attracted widespread attention.
Mustafizur’s selection to play for KKR has come amid allegations mostly by the Indian right-wing over attacks on Hindus.
While calling Shahrukh a traitor, Som questioned him for investing money in a player from a country working against India”.
The Hindustan Times quoted from a video clip of him as saying: The way Hindus are being persecuted in Bangladesh, women and girls are being raped, their homes are being burned, and anti-India slogans are being chanted there.
Despite all this, traitors like Shahrukh Khan, I’m calling him a traitor because everything he has is given by India, given by the people of India, but where do they invest this money? They invest it in players from a country that is working against India. I want to tell people like Shahrukh that they will not succeed.”
Mustafizur’s IPL Record
Mustafizur Rahman has previously represented Sunrisers Hyderabad, Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals, Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals in the IPL.
The 30-year-old pacer has taken 65 wickets in 60 IPL matches, maintaining an average of 28.44 and an economy rate of 8.13.
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