Ex-BAN Players 'Embarrassed' By Mustafizur Rahman Saga: 'We Were KKR Supporters'

The Bangladesh cricket community is disappointed and ’embarrassed’ by Mustafizur Rahman’s unpleasant exit from the IPL 2026, despite signing with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for Rs. 9.2 crore. KKR released Rahman on Saturday (January 1) after being directed to do so by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia didn’t explain in detail the reasons behind their unprecedented call. However, it relates to the anti-Bangladesh sentiment in India in light of some incidents of attacks against the Hindu minority in the neighboring countries. KKR and co-owner Shah Rukh Khan faced several threats of violence and boycotts from some religious groups in India.

“This is truly a sad incident,” former Bangladesh cricketer

Khaled Mahmud told reports, as quoted by Cricbuzz. “I don’t know the exact reasons, though political factors were mentioned. It seems to be related to some forces or religion-based politics. But it’s very sad, especially for Mustafiz, and for all of us, because we were looking forward to KKR, where Mustafizur would play, just like it was with Shakib (al Hasan).”

Due to the proximity, common language and historical heritage, KKR has a huge fanbase in Bangladesh, which now seems set to be affected.

“When Shakib played, we all became KKR supporters; with Mustafizur playing, we were all KKR supporters too. It’s truly disappointing for us, and we are very embarrassed about it,” Mahmud said.

Meanwhile, even as Indian media is reporting that the BCCI might put off the 2026 tour of Bangladesh, concerns are being raised in the country about the safety of their players in the upcoming T20 World Cup.

“This is insulting. It is insulting for Bangladesh cricket, not for Mustafizur. Mustafizur has played in the IPL for many years before, and there he has proven that he is one of the best bowlers in the world. In that context, calling him and then not calling him, or not taking him, is an insult to Bangladesh cricket,” former cricketer Rajin Saleh said.

“But I have heard that there is a security issue, that they will not be able to provide security to Mustafizur. If they cannot provide security to him in the IPL, then the Bangladesh team is going to India to play the upcoming World Cup. If they cannot provide security to just one player, then how will they provide security to all our players, or what will they do? I definitely want that if there is actually no security in India, then the venue should be changed and moved to Sri Lanka,” he added.