BCCI Forces Out Bangladeshs Star Pacer Out of IPL

Published On: January 23, 2026

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has directed Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to remove Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from their squad for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, citing ongoing political developments.

BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed the decision to news agency ANI, stating that the board had “instructed” KKR to release the player due to “recent developments which are going on all across”. While no official explanation was detailed, the statement is widely understood to reference geo-political tensions between India and Bangladesh.

KKR Allowed to Name a Replacement

Saikia added that if KKR wishes to name a replacement, the BCCI will permit the franchise to do so, effectively formalizing Mustafizur’s exclusion from the tournament despite his existing contract.

Political Backdrop Behind the Decision

Although the BCCI has not publicly spelled out its reasoning, Indian media reports in recent days have highlighted criticism from political and religious figures, who questioned KKR’s inclusion of a Bangladeshi player amid reports concerning attacks on Hindu minorities in Bangladesh.

The development comes amid a sharp deterioration in India–Bangladesh relations since the August 2024 removal of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, followed by diplomatic protests, visa restrictions, and unrest near diplomatic missions.

Mustafizur’s IPL Record & Contract Details

Mustafizur Rahman is one of the most recognized Bangladeshi players in franchise cricket. Since making his IPL debut in 2016, he has represented multiple franchises, including:

Sunrisers Hyderabad
Mumbai Indians
Rajasthan Royals
Delhi Capitals
Chennai Super Kings

The left-arm pacer has taken 65 wickets in 60 IPL matches and was picked up by KKR for INR 9.2 crore at last year’s auction. Notably, he was the only Bangladeshi player to secure an IPL contract for the 2026 season.

No Form or Discipline Issues

At present, Mustafizur is actively playing in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) for Rangpur Riders and has no reported disciplinary or fitness concerns, making his sudden exclusion unusual from a purely cricketing perspective.

The decision has once again raised questions about the intersection of politics and sport, particularly in high-profile leagues like the IPL.