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.

The final match of IPL 2025 will be played at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on June 3. This decision was taken in the BCCI meeting held on Tuesday, May 20.

BCCI Secretary Devjit Saikia said that Ahmedabad will host the Qualifier-2 match and the Grand Final of IPL 2025. While the first qualifier and the eliminator will be played at the PCA Stadium in New Chandigarh. The main consideration for the BCCI in selecting these venues was the weather conditions, as the rainy season is approaching the country.

The additional time scheduled for IPL 2025 matches has been increased by one hour. There will be an additional waiting period of 120 minutes for all IPL matches from May 20. Earlier, this period was only one hour and the BCCI has implemented the changes in the Playing Conditions with immediate effect. After this decision, the cutoff time for a 5-over match will be 11.30 pm IST instead of 10.30 pm. This rule will remain in place only till IPL 2025.

Due to rain in South India, a BCCI match has had to be changed. The match between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Sunrisers Hyderabad scheduled to be played on May 23 will be played at Ekana Stadium in Lucknow instead of Chinnaswamy Stadium. This decision has been taken after a yellow alert was issued in Bengaluru.

Talking about the IPL points table, Gujarat Titans are at the top of the table with 18 points after winning 9 matches out of 12 matches. RCB has won 8 matches out of 12 and is at the second position with 17 points. Along with this, Punjab has also shown a great game and remains at the third position with 17 points. Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians will face each other for the fourth position. This match is to be played on the 21st at Wankhede in Mumbai.