BCCI Asks KKR to Release Mustafizur Rahman Amid Rising India-Bangladesh Tensions

In a development that could significantly impact the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Secretary Devajit Saikia said on Saturday that the board has directed the franchise to release Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman in view of escalating tensions between India and Bangladesh.

Speaking to the media, Saikia said the decision was taken following recent developments within the board and the broader geopolitical context.

“Due to the recent developments that are unfolding, the BCCI has instructed the KKR franchise to release one of their players, Mustafizur Rahman of Bangladesh, from the squad. The board has also conveyed that if the franchise seeks a replacement, permission will be granted,” Saikia said.

Rahman was acquired by KKR for ₹9.2 crore at the Abu Dhabi mini-auction after an intense bidding war with Chennai Super Kings. However, his signing has attracted controversy in recent days, with the franchise and its co-owner, actor Shah Rukh Khan, facing criticism amid strained diplomatic relations between India and Bangladesh.

Several political leaders from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Shiv Sena have targeted KKR and Shah Rukh Khan, accusing the franchise of disregarding national sentiment. Relations between the two countries have remained tense following the killing of Dipu Chandra Das, a Hindu man, in Mymensingh in December. Reports of additional incidents of violence against Hindus in Bangladesh have further intensified calls from political quarters for Rahman’s removal from the squad.

Earlier, BJP leader Sangeet Som had sparked controversy by labelling Shah Rukh Khan a “gaddar” (traitor) over KKR’s decision to sign a Bangladeshi player during the period of heightened tensions.

The development places KKR in a challenging position as it prepares for the upcoming season, even as the BCCI has indicated it will allow the franchise to sign a replacement player if required.