The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have confirmed the release of Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from their Indian Premier League (IPL) squad. This decision comes following instructions from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) amid significant controversy regarding the player’s participation in the tournament.
Official Statement from KKR
“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 for Cricket in India. BCCI will allow Kolkata Knight Riders a replacement player in line with IPL regulations, and further details will be communicated in due course,” the franchise stated.
BCCI’s Confirmation
Earlier, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed the board’s directive for KKR to release Rahman and permitted them to seek a replacement. “The BCCI has instructed KKR to release Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from their squad, while also allowing the franchise to name a replacement,” he mentioned.
Background on the Decision
The decision was made in the wake of reports concerning violence against members of the Hindu community in Bangladesh in December, leading to criticism of Rahman’s involvement in the IPL.
Rahman’s Record and Auction Details
Rahman attracted considerable attention when KKR acquired him for a record Rs 9.20 crore during the December mini-auction, making him the highest-paid Bangladeshi cricketer in IPL history. His purchase followed a fierce bidding war that started with a base price of Rs 2 crore, involving the Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals.
The 30-year-old has taken 65 wickets across 60 matches, maintaining an economy rate of 8.13 since his IPL debut with Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2016. He has played for multiple franchises: Mumbai Inddigihunt in 2018, Rajasthan Royals in 2021, Delhi Capitals during 2022-23, and Chennai Super Kings in 2024.
He represented DC in IPL 2025 as a replacement for Jake Fraser-McGurk due to injury.