BCCI Breaks Silence On Mustafizur Rahman's IPL Participation: 'Not Received Communication From...'

Amid the outrage over the participation of Bangladeshi players in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) reportedly said it hasn’t received any communication on this issue.

In light of the recent discussions about the signing of Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman at last month’s IPL auction, news agency quoted BCCI sources as claiming there has been no directive so far to prevent Bangladeshi players from participating in the league.

Rahman became the most expensive Bangladeshi player ever after being acquired by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for Rs 9.20 crore at the mini auction held last month.

His signing has sparked debate following reports of violent incidents against religious minorities in Bangladesh,

leading some to question his participation in IPL 2026.

A BCCI source, responding to the issue, told IANS, “Let’s not get into this. It is not in our hands. We have not received any communication from the government directing us to prevent Bangladesh players from participating in the IPL… Can’t comment much as of now.”

Rahman, who has taken 65 wickets in 60 IPL matches at an economy rate of 8.13, made his IPL debut with Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2016. He has since played for Mumbai Indians (2018), Rajasthan Royals (2021), Delhi Capitals (2022–23), and Chennai Super Kings (2024), before being released after the franchise failed to qualify for the playoffs. He returned to Delhi Capitals last season as an injury replacement for Australia batter Jake Fraser-McGurk.

Earlier, spiritual guru Devkinandan Thakur criticised KKR and its co-owner, Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan, over Rahman’s signing, stating that Hindus and followers of Sanatan Dharma were hurt by the inclusion of a Bangladeshi player amid reports of atrocities against Hindus in the neighbouring country.

The remarks have drawn mixed reactions from political leaders across parties, with many emphasising that sports should remain separate from political and diplomatic issues.

With IANS Inputs