Kolkata Knight Riders Excludes Mustafizur Rahman from IPL 2026 Squad
The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have officially announced the exclusion of Bangladeshi player Mustafizur Rahman from their squad for the upcoming IPL 2026 season. This decision comes in compliance with a directive from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
In a media advisory released by KKR, it was stated, “Kolkata Knight Riders confirms that BCCI/IPL, as the governing body of IPL, has instructed the team to release Mustafizur Rahman from the squad before the commencement of the Indian Premier League (IPL) season.”
The advisory further mentioned, “The release of Mustafizur Rahman was done following proper procedures and consultations, as per the instructions of the Board of Control for Cricket in India.”
According to the advisory, “BCCI will allow Kolkata Knight Riders to enlist a replacement player in accordance with IPL regulations, and additional details will be provided in due course.”
These developments transpired after BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia revealed that the cricket board had directed KKR to release Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman “due to recent events.”
Devajit Saikia stated, “Due to the recent events occurring, BCCI has instructed the KKR franchise to remove one of their players, Mustafizur Rahman from Bangladesh, from their squad. BCCI has also assured that if a replacement is requested, it will be permitted.”
It is noteworthy that Mustafizur Rahman’s inclusion in the squad had triggered a political controversy, especially in light of the recent persecution of Hindu minorities in Bangladesh. Various opinions emerged regarding Mustafizur’s selection by KKR for the IPL 2026 season.
Mustafizur Rahman was acquired by the Kolkata-based franchise for a significant sum of Rs 9.20 crore during the IPL auction held in December last year.
Following BCCI’s directive, BJP leader Sangeet Singh Som welcomed the decision and directed criticism towards KKR’s co-owner, Shah Rukh Khan, implying that the actor has acknowledged the importance of not opposing the beliefs of the majority.
In an interview with ANI, Sangeet Singh Som expressed, “We appreciate BCCI’s decision in consideration of the sentiments of the 100 crore Sanatanis in India. We had indicated that this matter would be addressed as the emotions of 100 crore people cannot be disregarded… This signifies the triumph of the Hindus across the nation.”
He added, “Shah Rukh Khan has realized the significance of respecting the beliefs of Sanatanis while residing in India. He has also recognized the support of thousands of Sanatanis in establishing his identity as Shah Rukh Khan.”
