KKR release Mustafizur on BCCI’s order, BCB seeks change of venue

Kolkata Knight Riders have released fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman of Bangladesh after being told to do so by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the Indian Premier League (IPL) team said ‍on Saturday ‌amid growing tensions between the countries.

Last month, hundreds protested near Bangladesh’s High Commission ‍in New Delhi after Hindu factory worker Dipu Chandra Das was beaten and set on fire in Bangladesh’s Mymensingh district by a crowd that ‍accused him of making derogatory remarks about Prophet Muhammad.

A total of 12 people ‍were arrested in connection with his death.

The incident worsened relations between India and its neighbour, with ties already strained after Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled to New Delhi following protests against her in 2024.

“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.”

Mustafizur, 30, has played for 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 Kolkata in last month’s auction for a fee of 92 million Indian rupees ($1.02 million), making him the most expensive player from Bangladesh in IPL history.

Later ​on Saturday, Kolkata ‌confirmed Mustafizur had been released.

“BCCI will allow Kolkata Knight Riders a replacement player in line with IPL regulations, and further details will be communicated in due course,” the team added in a statement.

Reuters has approached ‌Mustafizur for comment.

The 19th edition of the IPL begins on March 26, after India and Sri Lanka co-host the Twenty20 World Cup starting in February.

Meanwhile, with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) directing Kolkata Knight Riders to release their player Mustafizur from a contract to play IPL 2026, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has decided to approach ICC for a change of venue for their matches during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup that India will be hosting jointly with Sri Lanka, a news report has said.

Bangladesh are scheduled to play matches against the West Indies (Feb.7, 2026), Italy (Feb .9), and England (Feb.14) at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata and Nepal (Feb.17) at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

With the BCCI not allowing Mustafizur to play in India following a demand raised by some people because of the killing of Hindus by mobs in Bangladesh, the country’s cricket board has expressed apprehension over the safety of its players in India and therefore sought a change of venues.

A top BCB official told Telecom Asia Sport (www.telecomasia.net) that it will be putting the ball in ICC’s court following the decision taken by BCCI, as tension between the two countries is mounting with each passing day.

“We will be putting the ball in ICC’s court,” the official told www.telecomasia.net, confirming the board will urgently request a change of venue for Bangladesh’s scheduled World Cup matches in Kolkata (vs. West Indies, Italy, England) and Mumbai (vs. Nepal), “if we feel security is a concern as players’ safety is our priority.”

The official said the BCB will take up the matter regarding the T20 World Cup with the ICC at the earliest and pointed out that Pakistan too has decided not to play in India after India refused to travel to their country for the 2025 Champions Trophy.

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia told IANS that they have asked KKR to release Mustafizur from the IPL contract “due to the unrest that has developed across that country”.

“BCCI has instructed KKR to release Bangladeshi player Mustafizur Rahman from their squad. BCCI will allow them to pick any replacement player of their choice,” Saikia said.

Kolkata Knight Riders, owned by Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan, later confirmed Mustafizur’s release. The diplomatic relations between India and Bangladesh have nose-dived after a mob-enforced regime change a few months ago.

Agencies