Following orders from the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India), the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) withdrew Mustafizur Rahman from their IPL (Indian Premier League) 2026 roster, prompting the Bangladeshi government to adopt a firm stance “in public interest.” The country’s IPL 2026 broadcast has been prohibited by the authorities.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting said in a statement that the incident had “caused distress among the people of Bangladesh” and that it had “noted that no reason was communicated for the decision behind Mustafizur Rahman’s exclusion [from the IPL]”. “In public interest” was the statement used to describe the decision. The statement was signed by Firoz Khan, the assistant secretary for the ministry.
At the IPL 2026 mini-auction, Mustafizur was purchased by KKR for an incredible INR 9.20 crore, making him the most costly Bangladeshi player in the history of the league. In addition to mentoring the young and gifted Matheesha Pathirana along the road, he was anticipated to play a significant part in the competition. However, KKR now only has one foreign pacer in its roster following Mustafizur’s dismissal. However, the BCCI has given them the opportunity to look for a left-arm fast bowler to replace him.
Repercussions for Mustafizur’s rejection from KKR go beyond simply prohibiting the broadcast of IPL games.
Additionally, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has petitioned the ICC to move their T20 World Cup 2026 matches from India. According to reports, they have also written to the BCCI requesting an explanation for Mustafizur’s departure.
Group C includes Nepal, Italy, England, the West Indies, and Bangladesh. The Tigers’ first three games are set for February 7, 9, and 14 at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens. After their match against Nepal at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium on February 17, their group-stage campaign comes to a conclusion.
Mustafizur, a former IPL champion, is presently competing in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2025–2026 with the Rangpur Riders.
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