Kolkata Knight Riders drop Mustafizur Rahman following BCCI directive

WEB DESK: Kolkata Knight Riders have released Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from their squad after receiving instructions from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise confirmed on Saturday. The decision comes at a time of heightened diplomatic strain between India and Bangladesh.

Tensions escalated last month after protests erupted near Bangladesh’s High Commission in New Delhi over the killing of Dipu Chandra Das, a Hindu factory worker in Bangladesh’s Mymensingh district. Das was allegedly assaulted and set on fire by a mob that accused him of making derogatory remarks about the Prophet Muhammad. Authorities later said 12 people had been arrested in connection with the incident.

Relations between the two countries were already under pressure following the departure of former Bangladeshi prime minister Sheikh Hasina to New Delhi in 2024 amid large-scale protests against her government.

Confirming the move, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said the cricket board had directed the Kolkata franchise to release Mustafizur in light of recent developments. He added that the team would be permitted to sign a replacement player if required, in accordance with league rules.

Mustafizur, 30, has previously represented several IPL teams, including Sunrisers Hyderabad, Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals, Chennai Super Kings, and Delhi Capitals. Over his IPL career, he has taken 65 wickets in 60 matches. He was bought by Kolkata at last month’s auction for 92 million Indian rupees, making him the most expensive Bangladeshi player in the league’s history.

In a brief statement issued later in the day, Kolkata Knight Riders confirmed Mustafizur’s release and said further details regarding a replacement player would be shared in due course. Mustafizur had not commented publicly at the time of reporting. KKR owner celebrity Shah Rukh Khan also drew ire owing to the same development.

The upcoming IPL season is scheduled to begin on March 26, following the Twenty20 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka starting in February.

Web Desk