KKR Release Mustafizur Rahman From IPL Squad After BCCI Directive

Kolkata: The KKR release Mustafizur Rahman IPL decision was officially confirmed on Saturday after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) instructed the franchise to part ways with the Bangladesh pacer ahead of the upcoming Indian Premier League season. The move followed intense controversy and public debate surrounding the fast bowler’s participation in the cash-rich tournament.

In a statement, Kolkata Knight Riders said it had acted on directions from the governing body of the league and completed the process after due consultations.

The franchise added that the BCCI has permitted KKR to sign a replacement player in accordance with IPL regulations, with further details to be announced in due course.

KKR Release Mustafizur Rahman IPL Following BCCI Instructions

The confirmation came shortly after BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia stated that the board had formally asked the three-time champions to release Mustafizur Rahman from their squad.

According to Saikia, the decision also allows KKR the flexibility to look for a replacement player before the start of the season. He emphasised that the directive was issued by the BCCI in its capacity as the regulator of the Indian Premier League.

The development puts an end to speculation surrounding Rahman’s availability, which had dominated headlines over the past few weeks.

Controversy Surrounding Rahman’s Participation

The decision to release Rahman followed reports of violence against members of the Hindu community in Bangladesh in December. The situation sparked criticism from several quarters, with some voices questioning the pacer’s involvement in the IPL amid the sensitive political and social backdrop.

Although Rahman himself was not directly implicated in the incidents, the controversy gained traction on social media and in public discourse, eventually prompting intervention from the cricket board.

Record-Breaking Auction Signing Draws Attention

Rahman had come under the spotlight earlier after KKR secured his services for a record Rs 9.20 crore at the December mini-auction. The signing made him the highest-paid Bangladeshi cricketer in IPL history.

The left-arm pacer was bought from a base price of Rs 2 crore following an intense bidding war involving Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals. His acquisition was seen as a major boost to KKR’s bowling attack before the controversy unfolded.

Rahman’s IPL Career and Performance Record

The 30-year-old has taken 65 wickets in 60 IPL matches since making his debut with Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2016, maintaining an economy rate of 8.13. Over the years, he has represented multiple franchises, including Mumbai Indians in 2018, Rajasthan Royals in 2021, Delhi Capitals in 2022 and 2023, and Chennai Super Kings in 2024.

He last appeared in the IPL in 2025 when he represented Delhi Capitals as an injury replacement for Jake Fraser-McGurk.

With the KKR release Mustafizur Rahman IPL decision now official, attention will turn to whom the franchise names as his replacement as preparations for the new season gather pace.