New Delhi, Jan 3, 2026 — The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has instructed Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from their squad for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL), citing nationwide unrest and mounting political pressure.
Mustafizur, Bangladesh’s lone regular representative in the IPL in recent years, was signed by KKR for a record ₹9.20 crore this season. However, his participation has come under threat after several hardline Hindutva organisations in India staged protests demanding a ban on Bangladeshi players, linking the issue to broader political and diplomatic tensions between the two countries.
Speaking to Indian news agency ANI, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia said the decision was taken in light of the prevailing situation across the country. “Due to the instability that has arisen nationwide, the BCCI has directed the KKR franchise to release one player. After dropping Bangladeshi cricketer Mustafizur Rahman from their squad, KKR will be allowed to sign any replacement player of their choice with BCCI approval,” he said.
The issue surfaced publicly ahead of a BCCI meeting to finalise India’s squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand, scheduled to begin on January 11. While addressing media questions on the national team selection, Saikia also responded to queries regarding Mustafizur’s IPL future.
Notably, the BCCI had earlier maintained a contrasting stance on the matter. In a recent interview with InsideSport, a senior BCCI official said diplomatic tensions would not affect cricketing ties. “This is a sensitive issue, and we are aware of it. We remain in constant contact with the government regarding diplomatic developments. But there has been no directive to ban Bangladeshi cricketers. Bangladesh is not an enemy country, and Mustafizur will play in the IPL,” the official said at the time.
Political hostility spilling over into sports is not new in the Indian subcontinent. In recent weeks, allegations of persecution of Hindu minorities in Bangladesh have further strained bilateral relations, with cricket once again becoming a flashpoint.
Hardline political leaders have openly threatened protests and disruptions if Mustafizur were allowed to play. Uttar Pradesh-based BJP leader Sangeet Som warned that Bangladeshi players would not be allowed to move freely in India, while Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam urged KKR owner Shah Rukh Khan to drop the pacer, citing security concerns and “national interest.”
Mustafizur Rahman has previously played eight IPL seasons for five different franchises and remains one of the league’s most sought-after left-arm pacers. However, amid escalating political pressure and security concerns, his IPL future now hangs in the balance, raising fresh questions about the growing intersection of politics and sport in the region.
