Bought for a record ₹9.20 crore, Mustafizur Rahman’s stint with KKR has ended before it began, after the BCCI stepped in amid mounting political and public pressure.
BY PC Bureau
January 3, 2026: In a move underscoring the growing overlap between sport and geopolitics, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has asked IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman ahead of the IPL 2026 season.
The directive was confirmed by BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia, who said the decision followed “recent developments all across,” a reference widely seen as pointing to the worsening diplomatic climate and reports of civil unrest in Bangladesh, which have triggered protests and political pressure in India.
KKR had signed Mustafizur for a record ₹9.20 crore at the December auction, making him the most expensive Bangladeshi player in IPL history. The purchase quickly became controversial, placing the left-arm pacer at the centre of an intensifying public and political debate.
“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,” Saikia told ANI. He added that the board would permit KKR to sign a replacement if the franchise opts to do so.
READ: Priyanka Gandhi’s Son Raihan Vadra Gets Engaged to Aviva Baig
Major Blow to KKR’s Plans
The decision deals a significant sporting and financial blow to Kolkata Knight Riders. Mustafizur was expected to be KKR’s primary death-overs specialist, valued for his deceptive cutters and effectiveness on slower pitches such as Eden Gardens. His left-arm angle also offered variety that is difficult to replace at short notice.
From a tactical standpoint, his exit disrupts KKR’s overseas combination. The team was likely planning its balance around a core of Sunil Narine, Cameron Green and Matheesha Pathirana, with Mustafizur anchoring the bowling unit. Without him, KKR may need to lean more heavily on Indian pacers like Harshit Rana and Umran Malik, or rethink their overseas strategy by drafting in an additional international batter.
Financial Uncertainty
Financial clarity remains elusive. While the BCCI has agreed to allow KKR a replacement player, there is no confirmation yet on whether the ₹9.20 crore spent on Mustafizur will be fully credited back to the franchise’s purse. If the funds are not returned, KKR could be forced to settle for a lower-cost alternative, potentially weakening their squad depth.
As the IPL 2026 season approaches, the Mustafizur episode highlights how off-field developments can have far-reaching consequences for teams, reshaping strategies well before the first ball is bowled.
