The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has directed Indian Premier League franchise Kolkata Knight Riders to release Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from their squad. This unprecedented decision comes amid escalating diplomatic tensions between India and Bangladesh.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed the directive on Saturday, stating franchises may request replacement players subject to board approval. The 30-year-old left-arm pacer, acquired by KKR for a record 92 million Indian rupees in last month’s auction, now becomes the most expensive Bangladeshi player to be released from IPL commitments.
The sporting decision follows deteriorating bilateral relations triggered by recent incidents. Last month, protests erupted near Bangladesh’s High Commission in New Delhi after Hindu factory worker Dipu Chandra Das was fatally assaulted in Bangladesh’s Mymensingh district. The incident occurred amid allegations of derogatory remarks about Prophet Muhammad, resulting in twelve arrests.
These developments compound existing diplomatic strains dating to 2024, when former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina sought refuge in New Delhi following domestic protests against her administration.
Mustafizur brings substantial IPL experience, having claimed 65 wickets across 60 matches for five franchises including Sunrisers Hyderabad, Mumbai Indians, and Chennai Super Kings. His release occurs just before the nineteenth IPL edition commencing March 26, which follows the Twenty20 World Cup co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka beginning February.