Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Saturday (January 3) released Mustafizur Rahman from their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 roster after receiving the BCCI’s directive.

Mustafizur, the only Bangladeshi representative in the upcoming IPL season, was signed by KKR for Rs 9.2 crore in the mini-auction last month. However, as reports of atrocities on Hindus in Bangladesh increased, there was growing demand of removing the left-arm pacer from the league.

On Saturday morning, the BCCI confirmed that KKR had been instructed to release Mustafizur and the franchise obliged to the board’s diktat within a few hours.

Speaking to BDCricTime, Mustafizur opened up on his release by the three-time IPL champions, stating: "If they release me, what can I do?"

It was also reported that Mustafizur was disappointed over his release, a move which came due to deteriorating India-Bangladesh relations.

In a media advisory to announce Mustafizur’s release, KKR said: "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 of Cricket in India," the statement added.

The advisory also read, "BCCI will allow Kolkata Knight Riders a replacement player in line with IPL regulations, and further details will be communicated in due course."

Earlier, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia addressed the situation while speaking to news agency PTI. “The BCCI has asked Kolkata Knight Riders to release Mustafizur Rahman from its squad. They can ask for a replacement if needed, and upon request, the BCCI will allow a replacement player,” Saikia said.

Explaining the reason behind the decision, the BCCI secretary said, “Because of recent developments all across.”

The pressure on the board had been mounting over Mustafizur Rahman’s participation in the IPL, particularly in the wake of the recent killing of a Hindu man in Bangladesh and India’s expression of concern regarding the safety of minorities there.

What began as a cricketing decision turned into a national debate, drawing the league, the franchise owners and the BCCI into a sensitive conversation.