Chandigarh, Jan 3: Kolkata Knight Riders have released Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from their squad ahead of the upcoming Indian Premier League season after being instructed to do so by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the franchise said Saturday.
“The release has been carried out following due process and consultations, upon the instruction of the Board of Control of Cricket in India,” KKR said in a statement.
The development comes amid heightened diplomatic tensions between India and Bangladesh, with pressure mounting on the BCCI over Rahman’s participation following the recent killing of a Hindu man in Bangladesh and India’s stated concerns over the safety of minorities there.
Confirming the decision, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said the league’s governing body had asked the franchise to part ways with the player.
“The BCCI has asked Kolkata Knight Riders to release Mustafizur Rahman from its squad. They can ask for a replacement, if needed, and upon request, BCCI will allow a replacement player,” Saikia told PTI.
Asked about the reason behind the directive, Saikia said, “Because of recent developments all across.”
Rahman, 30, was bought by KKR for Rs 9.20 crore at the IPL auction last month, following a bidding war involving Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals. The upcoming season was set to be his first with the three-time IPL champions.
The left-arm pacer has featured in eight IPL seasons since 2016, representing Sunrisers Hyderabad, Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals, Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals. He missed the tournament only in 2019 and 2020.
Neither Rahman nor the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has issued a response to the decision so far.
The episode has also triggered political reactions, with criticism extending to KKR co-owner Shah Rukh Khan, as some BJP leaders questioned the inclusion of a Bangladeshi player amid the current situation.
The move has raised questions over whether Bangladeshi players could face restrictions in the IPL similar to Pakistani cricketers, who have been excluded from the league for several years due to political tensions.
Cricketing ties between India and Bangladesh have also been affected. A white-ball bilateral series scheduled last year was postponed, though the BCB said Friday that the series is now planned for September. The BCCI, however, has not confirmed the schedule.
Bangladesh are also set to play their T20 World Cup matches in India next month, even as diplomatic relations remain strained following political unrest in Dhaka after the ouster of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina last year.
