Kolkata Knight Riders Remove Mustafizur Rahman Ahead Of IPL 2026 After BCCI Steps In

Kolkata Knight Riders have confirmed that they have removed Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL squad following instructions from the BCCI. KKR snapped up Mustafizur for a whopping 9.2 crore at the IPL auction.

KKR issued a statement confirming the development.

Kolkata Knight Riders - Squad update

"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 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.”

Earlier, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) instructed three-time IPL champions KKR to release Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from their squad. The decision came amid India's strained diplomatic relationship with Bangladesh.

‘Due to the recent developments that are going on all across, BCCI has instructed the franchise KKR to release one of their players, Mustafizur Rahman of Bangladesh, from their squad and BCCI has also said that if they ask for any replacement, BCCI is going to allow that replacement,’ BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia told ANI.

Bangladesh Are Expected To Travel To India For T20 World Cup 2026

KKR will be allowed to replace Mustafizur ahead of the IPL 2026. It remains to be seen how BCCI deals with Bangladesh's involvement in the T20 World Cup 2026. The entire Bangladeshi contingent is slated to play three group stage matches in Kolkata, followed by one in Mumbai.

Also Read: 'It's Not Politics, It Is The People of India Who Demanded': Netizens Hail BCCI's Decision Of Instructing KKR To Release Mustafizur Rahman

Moreover, the Bangladesh Cricket Board released their home schedule for the year 2026, and it includes a six-match white-ball series, scheduled to be played in the August-September window.

Also Read: BCCI Instructs KKR To Release Bangladesh Pacer Mustafizur Rahman, Replacement To Be Allowed For IPL 2026