At last month’s IPL (Indian Premier League) 2026 mini-auction, Mustafizur Rahman was purchased by the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for INR 9.20 crore. Nevertheless, the pacer’s skills would not be available to the three-time champions during the next IPL season.
Devajit Saikia, the secretary of the BCCI, announced in a press release on Saturday, January 3, that the cricket regulatory body had requested that KKR fire Mustafizur. The seasoned left-arm pacer has already been discharged, according to a statement issued by KKR. The Kolkata-based team said that they will have the option to request a substitute player if necessary, and that more information about this will be released later.
“Kolkata Knight Riders confirms that BCCI/IPL as the regulator of IPL has instructed it to release Mustafizur Rahman from the squad ahead of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season,” stated in a statement.
“On the Board of Control of Cricket in India’s directive, the release was executed after appropriate process and consultations. The Ajinkya Rahane-led team stated, “BCCI will permit Kolkata Knight Riders a replacement player in accordance with IPL regulations, and further details will be communicated in due course.”
KKR Media Advisory. 🔽 pic.twitter.com/ZUZB620Uv7
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) January 3, 2026
Mustafizur, who previously played for Sunrisers Hyderabad, Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals, Delhi Capitals, and Chennai Super Kings, became the most expensive Bangladeshi player in IPL history during last month’s auction.
In addition, the Delhi Capitals and Chennai Super Kings have submitted bids to sign the 30-year-old. But KKR, who had the largest purse going into the auction, made every effort to acquire Mustafizur.
Matheesha Pathirana was purchased by KKR earlier in the auction. For the Knights in IPL 2026, Mustafizur and Pathirana might have created a deadly combination with the ball. It will be intriguing to see who KKR chooses to replace the Satkhira native.
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