BCCI confirms Kolkata Knight Riders can sign a replacement after releasing Bangladesh pacer

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have released Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from their squad for the IPL 2026 season after being instructed to do so by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) amid what were described as “recent developments”. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed the decision to news agency ANI on Saturday, stating that KKR had been directed to release the left-arm seamer and that the franchise would be allowed to sign a replacement player if they chose to do so.

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While Saikia did not specify the exact reason behind the BCCI’s directive, several Indian media reports over the past few days have suggested that political and spiritual leaders had criticised KKR and franchise owner Shah Rukh Khan for including a Bangladeshi player at a time when reports have emerged of attacks on Hindu minorities in Bangladesh. Within hours of Saikia’s statement, KKR issued an official release confirming that Mustafizur’s exit had been carried out following due process and consultations, and in accordance with instructions from the BCCI.

The development comes just a day after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) announced its international home season beginning in March 2026, which includes a white-ball tour by India comprising three ODIs and three T20Is. That series was originally scheduled for 2025 but was later rescheduled. Bangladesh are also due to travel to India earlier in the year for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, set to be held in February and March.

Addressing questions around venues and player security for the T20 World Cup, BCB officials reiterated that such decisions rest with the ICC. BCB president Aminul Islam stated that the ICC, as the tournament organiser, would determine the appropriate venues, while media committee chairman Amzad Hossain emphasised that the board’s primary concern remains the safety and security of its players.

Mustafizur, who was bought by KKR for INR 9.2 crore at the IPL auction late last year, was the only Bangladesh cricketer to secure an IPL contract ahead of the 2026 season. The signing was part of a broader squad overhaul by KKR, which also included the additions of Akash Deep, Sri Lanka pacer Matheesha Pathirana and Australia allrounder Cameron Green.

Since making his IPL debut in 2016, Mustafizur has represented Sunrisers Hyderabad, Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals, Delhi Capitals and Chennai Super Kings, picking up 65 wickets in 60 matches across his IPL career. He is currently playing in the Bangladesh Premier League for Rangpur Riders, while the BCB is expected to issue an official statement on the matter in the near future.