Mustafizur Rahman was acquired by KKR during the IPL 2026 auction held on December 16.
The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), who have won the Indian Premier League (IPL) three times, have been directed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to let go of Bangladesh pace bowler Mustafizur Rahman. Devajit Saikia, the board’s secretary, stated that KKR will be permitted to select a replacement player if necessary.
“Amid recent events taking place everywhere, BCCI has directed the franchise KKR to let go of one of their players, Mustafizur Rahman from Bangladesh, from their team,” Saikia informed the news agency ANI. “BCCI has stated that if they request a replacement, BCCI will permit that replacement.”
What Happens Next for KKR After Mustafizur Rahman’s Release
Mustafizur was acquired by KKR during the IPL 2026 auction held on December 16. He was among seven Bangladeshi players in the auction pool, yet he was the only one to attract bidders. Mustafizur had an initial price of Rs 2 crore but ultimately reached Rs 9.20 crore. The Delhi Capitals initiated the bidding for the 30-year-old, with the Chennai Super Kings countering, as Mustafizur has previously played for both teams. KKR joined the competition at Rs 5.4 crore and successfully held off CSK.
Nonetheless, KKR and their co-owner, Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan, have faced considerable backlash on social media and from politicians for acquiring Mustafizur, associating it with recent reports of violence against Hindus in Bangladesh.
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Mustafizur has participated in 60 IPL matches and claimed 65 wickets. The 2026 IPL season would have signified ten years in the league for him, as he debuted with Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2016. That season, SRH clinched the title, and Mustafizur was the first foreign player to receive the “Emerging Player of the Tournament” award.
He has played in all seasons except for two, in 2019 and 2020. He also played for SRH in the 2017 season, after which he had a season with the Mumbai Indians. Mustafizur was absent from the 2019 and 2020 seasons, subsequently playing for the Rajasthan Royals in 2021. He subsequently played two seasons with Delhi Capitals before joining the Chennai Super Kings in 2024. Mustafizur subsequently went back to DC last year.