IPL 2026: KKR Release Mustafizur Rahman Following BCCI Directive

Kolkata Knight Riders have officially parted ways with Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman ahead of the IPL 2026 season.

Following a directive from the Board of Control for Cricket in India, the franchise implemented the decision after intense discussion and public debate surrounding the player’s participation.

“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. The release has been carried out following due process and consultations, upon the instruction of the Board of Control for 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,” team management said in a statement.

Earlier, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed that the board had asked the three-time champions to release Rahman from their squad.

“The BCCI has instructed KKR to release Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from their squad, while also allowing the franchise to name a replacement,” he told IANS.

Additionally, he stated that the BCCI would permit the franchise to name a substitute player for the upcoming season.

The decision followed reports of violence against members of the Hindu community in Bangladesh in December. Consequently, criticism emerged from various quarters opposing Rahman’s participation in the league.

Auction Spotlight on Rahman

During the December mini-auction, Mustafizur Rahman attracted widespread attention after KKR acquired him for a record ₹9.20 crore. As a result, he became the highest-paid Bangladeshi cricketer in IPL history.

Starting from a base price of ₹2 crore, his signing involved a fierce bidding war with Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals before KKR secured him.

Since debuting in the IPL with Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2016, the 30-year-old pacer has claimed 65 wickets in 60 matches at an economy rate of 8.13. Over the years, he has represented the Mumbai Indians in 2018, the Rajasthan Royals in 2021, the Delhi Capitals during the 2022 and 2023 seasons, and the Chennai Super Kings in 2024.

Last season, he turned out for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2025 after joining the squad as an injury replacement for Jake Fraser-McGurk.

With the release now finalised, Kolkata Knight Riders will assess available options to strengthen their bowling attack ahead of IPL 2026.

In the coming days, the franchise is likely to announce a replacement after completing all formalities.

Overall, the development marks a significant change in KKR’s squad composition as preparations intensify for the next edition of the Indian Premier League.

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