The Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Saturday confirmed the release of Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman, citing the directives issued by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
“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,” the franchise said in a statement.
“The release has been carried out following due process and consultations, upon the instruction of the Board of Control of Cricket in India.
“BCCI will allow Kolkata Knight Riders a replacement player in line with IPL regulations, and further details will be communicated in due course.”
The development came just hours after BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia told an Indian news agency that the cricket board had instructed KKR to release the pacer from their squad, citing the recent tensions between India and Bangladesh.
“Due to recent developments going on all across, the BCCI has instructed the franchise Kolkata Knight Riders to release one of their players, Mustafizur Rahman of Bangladesh, from their squad,” BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia told Indian news agency ANI.
“They can ask for a replacement if needed. And upon request, BCCI will allow a replacement player.”
The 30-year-old has thus far represented Sunrisers Hyderabad, Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals, Chennai Super Kings, and Delhi Capitals in previous seasons of the IPL, taking 65 wickets in 60 matches.
He was signed by KKR in last month’s auction for a fee of INR92 million ($1.02 million), making him the most expensive player from Bangladesh in IPL history.
For the unversed, the 19th edition of the cash-rich IPL will get underway on March 26, after India and Sri Lanka co-host the ICC Men’s T20I World Cup 2026, scheduled to run from February 7 to March 8.
