Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) were left with no choice but to part ways with Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman after a late order from the BCCI ahead of the IPL 2026. The KKR acted on the instruction just weeks after signing Mustafizur Rahman for a hefty INR 9.20 crore at the IPL Auction.
They made this tough call on January 3, 2026, when BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed that KKR had been asked to release the Bangladesh pacer from the squad following the political pressure due to the multiple incidents involving the killing of Hindus in the neighboring country.
Big Blow for KKR as BCCI Orders Mustafizur Rahman’s Exit Before IPL 2026
Around two hours after the BCCI issued the diktat to all the franchises, Kolkata Knight Riders officially confirmed that Mustafizur Rahman had been released from the squad after completing all required formalities and discussions with the IPL Governing Council.
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In a big relief for the KKR, the IPL GC has allowed the franchise to sign a replacement player, as per league rules, and they will announce the replacement soon.
The KKR said in an official statement: “Kolkata Knight Riders confirms that BCCI/IPL, as the regulator of IPL, has instructed it to release Mustafizur Rahman from the squad ahead of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season.
The release has been carried out following due process and consultations, upon the instruction of the Board of Control of Cricket in India. BCCI will allow Kolkata Knight Riders a replacement player in line with IPL regulations, and further details will be communicated in due course.”
To be continued…