BCCI Directs Kolkata Knight Riders to Release Mustafizur Rahman
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has instructed Kolkata Knight Riders to release Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman from their squad. This decision comes amidst escalating diplomatic tensions between India and Bangladesh.
Mustafizur Rahman was acquired by KKR for Rs 9.20 crore at the recent players’ auction, but now they will have the option to name a replacement player for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season, set to commence on March 26.
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia stated, “The BCCI has asked Kolkata Knight Riders to release Mustafizur Rahman from its squad, and they can request a replacement player if needed, which will be allowed by the BCCI.”
The decision to release Rahman was made “because of recent developments all across,” as per Saikia.
In response to the directive, Kolkata Knight Riders confirmed that they have released Rahman from the squad as instructed by the BCCI.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Aminul Islam Bulbul has called for an emergency meeting to discuss the issue further.
The pressure on BCCI regarding Rahman’s participation heightened after recent incidents in Bangladesh, leading to concerns raised by India about the safety of minorities in the country.
Rahman, who has featured in multiple IPL seasons for various teams, including Sunrisers Hyderabad and Mumbai Indians, was set to play for KKR for the first time in the upcoming edition.
With Rahman’s release, the fate of Bangladeshi players in the IPL remains uncertain in light of the political tensions between India and Bangladesh.
