Bangladesh’s Mustafizur Rahman was released by his IPL franchise, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), ahead of the IPL 2026 season at the direction of the BCCI. This came after severe backlash on his inclusion by KKR in the wake of the ongoing atrocities being committed in Bangladesh against Hindu minorities in recent times.

Mustafizur Rahman was purchased by KKR for Rs 9.20 crore at the IPL 2026 auction, following stiff offers from Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals. In retaliation, the Bangladesh Cricket Board has demanded that the T20 World Cup games be moved from India to Sri Lanka.

While the move has sparked controversy about the player's rights, particularly given that Rahman neither voluntarily withdrew from the tournament nor was accused of any misconduct, insiders say the current insurance framework offers little space for compensation.

According to rumors, Mustafizur Rahman is unlikely to receive financial compensation from KKR or the IPL and may have to pursue legal action.

"The salaries of all IPL players are insured. For foreign international players, normally the franchise pays if he is injured after joining the camp or during the course of the tournament. Normally, up to 50 percent is paid from insurance. It is better for India's injured centrally contracted cricketers who normally get paid by the BCCI," an IPL source told PTI.

Mustafizur's case does not come within the regular insurance provisions. Because the release was not due to injury or a cricketing reason related to league participation, KKR is not contractually obligated to pay him any compensation.

"In case of an insurance claim, this current situation isn't covered, so KKR is under no official obligation to pay a penny. It is unfortunate, but Mustafizur doesn't have much option but to take a legal route, and the IPL comes under Indian law jurisdiction. No overseas cricketer would want to go through this or take the Court of Arbitration of Sport (CAS) route," the source added.

The source further explained that the broader geopolitical context also acts as a deterrent.

"The Indo-Bangladesh political scenario is way more fluid than Indo-Pak, and it can change next year, so why would one take the risk of legal recourse?" the source added.

Given the complexities involved and despite being a high-value buy and not breaching the contract in any disciplinary way, Mustafizur Rahman is likely to receive no compensation after losing his IPL deal with KKR.

(PTI inputs)