The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) signed Mustafizur Rahman for INR 9.20 crore during the IPL 2026 mini-auction last month. However, the three-time champs released the speedster on Saturday, January 3.
In response to growing Indian dissatisfaction over the persecution of religious minorities in Bangladesh, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia revealed in a media statement that the cricket governing body has urged the Knight Riders to release Mustafizur.
In the afternoon, KKR issued an official statement confirming that it has released Bangladesh’s talismanic left-arm fast bowler in accordance with the BCCI’s directives.
“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.”
After being passed over for the 19th edition of India’s top Twenty20 tournament, Mustafizur later expressed his feelings.
Speaking to BDcrictime, the 30-year-old seamer asked, “What else can you do if you are dropped?”
Had he participated in the next season of the 10-team competition, Mustafizur, who went on to become the most expensive Bangladeshi cricket player in IPL history, might have accomplished something else. He only needed to play 12 more games to exceed Shakib Al Hasan’s 71 IPL caps, making him the most-capped Bangladeshi player.
In his 60 IPL appearances, Mustafizur has taken 65 wickets at an average of 28.45 and an economy rate of 8.13. Prior to joining the Knights, he played for the Delhi Capitals, Chennai Super Kings, Rajasthan Royals, Mumbai Indians, and Sunrisers Hyderabad.
In the International League T20 (ILT20) 2025–2026, Mustafizur was in incredible form, taking 15 wickets in eight games. He presently plays for the Rangpur Riders in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). He has taken six wickets this season in his first three games for the team.
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