New Delhi: The new year 2026 has started with big and controversial news for Kolkata Knight Riders fans. Bangladeshi star fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman, who was bought for Rs 9.20 crore for the upcoming IPL season, has been released by KKR. This decision was not the franchise's own, but was taken after strict instructions from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). This entire incident shows how decisions made on the playing field are sometimes deeply influenced by political and diplomatic situations unfolding across borders. Mustafizur's first reaction has now come to light after being dropped from the IPL, where he expressed his helplessness.
Why did the BCCI take this decision?
The main reason for this entire controversy is the recent violence in neighboring Bangladesh and the widespread outrage in India regarding the safety of minorities living there. BCCI secretary Devjit Saikia clarified that keeping in mind security and national sentiments, the board ordered KKR to remove Mustafizur from the team. Several political and religious organizations in India had strongly objected to Mustafizur playing in the IPL. Some leaders even publicly criticized team owner Shah Rukh Khan and demanded that he respect public sentiment.
What Mustafizur Rahman said
This decision has divided the world of cricket and politics. On one hand, it is being considered a necessary step for security and national interests, while on the other hand, stalwarts like Congress MP Shashi Tharoor have called it against the spirit of the game. Tharoor argues that players should not be made victims of the ongoing tensions between the countries. Meanwhile, Mustafizur Rahman himself expressed his helplessness, saying that if the board decides to drop a player from the team, the player has no way to protest.
