The Kolkata Knight Riders have been directed to release Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from their squad, following instructions from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), its secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed on Saturday.
The decision comes amid rising political and diplomatic tensions between India and Bangladesh. Controversy erupted after BJP leader Sangeet Som publicly criticized Bollywood actor and KKR co-owner Shah Rukh Khan for signing Mustafizur, calling him a “traitor” for including a Bangladeshi player in the franchise.
Mustafizur’s induction into KKR followed allegations circulated by right-wing groups in India over attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh. Last month, protests were held near Bangladesh’s High Commission in New Delhi after a Hindu factory worker, Dipu Chandra Das, was beaten and set on fire in Bangladesh’s Mymensingh district. Authorities arrested 12 people in connection with the incident.
“Due to recent developments, the BCCI has instructed Kolkata Knight Riders to release Mustafizur Rahman from their squad,” Saikia told ANI. He added that KKR would be permitted to seek a replacement player in line with IPL regulations. The franchise later confirmed it would be allowed a replacement and that further details would be communicated.
Mustafizur, 30, has previously played for Sunrisers Hyderabad, Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals, Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals. He has taken 65 wickets in 60 IPL matches and was signed by KKR at last month’s auction for ₹92 million (about $1.02 million), making him the most expensive Bangladeshi player in IPL history.
The opposition Indian National Congress condemned Som’s remarks, calling them divisive. Media reports quoted Som accusing Shah Rukh Khan of investing in a player from “a country working against India,” comments that further fueled the controversy.
India–Bangladesh relations have already been strained since former Bangladeshi prime minister Sheikh Hasina fled to New Delhi after protests in 2024.
The 19th season of the Indian Premier League begins on March 26, following the ICC Twenty20 World Cup, which India and Sri Lanka will co-host starting in February.