Mustafizur Rahman was roped in by the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) during the IPL 2026 mini-auction last month for INR 9.20 crore. However, on Saturday,
January 3, the speedster was released by the three-time champions.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia shared in a media statement that the cricket-governing body has asked the Knight Riders to release Mustafizur amid the growing resentment among Indians regarding the treatment of religious minorities in Bangladesh.
In the afternoon, KKR confirmed via an official statement that it followed the instructions of the BCCI and let go of Bangladesh's talismanic left-arm fast bowler.
"Kolkata Knight Riders confirms that BCCI/IPL as the regulator of IPL has instructed it to release Mustafizur Rahman from the squad ahead of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season," said in a statement.
"The release has been carried out following due process and consultations, upon the instruction of the Board of Control of Cricket in India. BCCI will allow Kolkata Knight Riders a replacement player in line with IPL regulations, and further details will be communicated in due course," the Ajinkya Rahane-led side added.
Mustafizur, subsequently, shared his reaction after being snubbed ahead of the 19th edition of India's premier T20 competition.
"What else can you do if you are dropped?" the 30-year-old seamer stated while speaking to BDcrictime.
Mustafizur, who became the most expensive Bangladeshi cricketer in IPL history, could have created another feat had he played the upcoming season of the 10-team tournament. He needed to play just 12 more matches to become the most capped Bangladeshi player in the IPL, surpassing Shakib Al Hasan's tally of 71.
Mustafizur has played 60 IPL games, picking up 65 wickets at an average of 28.45 and an economy rate of 8.13. He has represented Sunrisers Hyderabad, Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals, Delhi Capitals, and Chennai Super Kings before joining the Knights.
Mustafizur had been in stunning form in the International League T20 (ILT20) 2025-26, bagging 15 wickets in eight matches. He is currently playing in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) for the Rangpur Riders. In his first three appearances for the franchise, he has bagged six wickets this season.
