BCCI breaks silence as pressure builds on KKR franchise to remove Bangladesh’s Mustafizur Rahman from IPL 2026 squad

According to reports, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has made it clear that there are no problems with Bangladeshi players playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL).  

According to BCCI sources cited by the IANS news agency, despite recent talks surrounding the recruitment of Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman during last month's IPL auction, no order has yet been given to exclude Bangladeshi cricketers from participating in the tournament.

Mustafizur Rahman became the most expensive Bangladeshi player in IPL history after being purchased by the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for ₹9.20 crore in last month's mini-auction.

In the midst of tense relations between India and Bangladesh following the death of a Hindu man in Mymensingh, the decision sparked a surge of nationalistic outrage, despite cricket commentators viewing it as a tactical masterstroke.

Reports of violent situations involving religious minorities in Bangladesh have sparked controversy about his selection, raising questions about his availability for the 2026 Indian Premier League season.

“Let’s not get into this. It is not in our hands. We have not received any communication from the government directing us to prevent Bangladesh players from participating in the IPL… Can’t comment much as of now,” a BCCI official told IANS.

With 65 wickets in 60 games, Mustafizur Rahman has a strong IPL record. He has played for the Delhi Capitals (2022–2023), Chennai Super Kings (2024), Rajasthan Royals (2021), and Mumbai Indians (2018). Additionally, he played as an injury replacement for the Delhi Capitals (DC) in the 2025 Indian Premier League. 

Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan, who co-owns the Kolkata Knight Riders team, is reportedly under increasing pressure to keep Mustafizur Rahman out of the team before the 2026 Indian Premier League.

Prior to Rahman's signing, spiritual guru Devkinandan Thakur criticized KKR and its co-owner, Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan, saying that the inclusion of a Bangladeshi player hurt Hindus and followers of Sanatan Dharma in light of reports of atrocities against Hindus in the neighboring country. 

Political officials from all parties have responded differently to the comments, with many stressing that sports should be kept apart from diplomatic and political matters.

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