IPL 2026: Who can replace Mustafizur Rahman at KKR this Season?

Amid the ongoing geopolitical tension between India and Bangladesh, BCCI instructed Kolkata Knight Riders to release Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from their IPL 2026 squad.

The board instructed KKR to request a replacement player if needed. KKR had secured the 30-year-old left-armer for Rs 9.20 crore in last month's auction, but will have to play without their prized asset.

"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 and BCCI has also said that if they ask for any replacement, BCCI is going to allow that replacement," BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said to ANI.

Mustafizur has competed in eight IPL seasons

since 2016, skipping only 2019 and 2020. He represented Sunrisers Hyderabad, Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals, Chennai Super Kings, and Rajasthan Royals. But with his unavailability, the Knight Riders will have to look for a replacement in the upcoming season.

Here are three players who KKR can eye as a replacement for the IPL 2026-

Fazalhaq Farooqi

The Afghanistan pacer Fazalhaq Farooqi fits the profile of Mustafizur in many ways. The left-arm pacer had success with SRH in the past and KKR can bring him in as his experience may play a valuable role for them in the IPL 2026 season. The 25-year-old has 6 wickets in 12 IPL matches, but holds a terrific record for Afghanistan in T20Is, with 63 wickets in 51 matches with an economy of just 6.94.

William O'Rourke

New Zealand's William O'Rourke is a talented bowler and can be a good signing for the Knight Riders. He has had success with the Kiwis in India albeit in Test format, but the pacer has the quality to succeed in the shorter format of the game as well.

Alzarri Joseph

Previously part of IPL with the likes of Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Alzarri Joseph brings pace in the lineup. The lanky West Indies player hasn't been at his pinnacle in recent times, but KKR can keep him as a backup to Matheesha Pathirana. The 29-year-old has picked up 21 wickets in his 22 IPL appearances, with the best figures of 6/12 during his MI days.