BCCI directs Kolkata Knight Riders to drop Bangladesh’s Mustafizur Rahman

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have released Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from their squad for the 2026 edition after being instructed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the franchise announced on Saturday. Devkinandan Thakur, spiritual leader and renowned ‘Kathavachak’, whose questioning of a Bangladeshi player in the Shah Rukh Khan-led franchisee in the Indian Premier League (IPL) triggered a huge outcry and led to his ouster, on Saturday, welcomed the Board of Control of Cricket in India’s (BCCI) decision to drop him from the T-20 tournament.

“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,” KKR said in a statement.

“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.”

The instruction from BCCI comes on the heels of growing geopolitical tension in the region after reports of violence against Hindu minorities in Bangladesh.

The BCCI, however, hasn’t specified any reason for instructing KKR to release the Bangladesh pacer.(updated on 3rd january 2026)

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