Former India cricketer Madan Lal has expressed support for the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) decision to request the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) release Bangladesh cricketer Mustafizur Rahman. He believes that the board has made the right decision after conducting thorough consultations.
On Saturday, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia announced that the board directed KKR to let go of the Bangladeshi fast bowler before the IPL 2026 season. This decision comes in the wake of debates regarding Rahman’s high-profile signing, particularly after reports of violence against the Hindu community in Bangladesh in December, which drew criticism about his involvement in the IPL.
“I believe whatever the BCCI has done must have followed thorough consultation, keeping public sentiment in mind. They may also have received inputs from the government. Whether it is right or wrong, I cannot say, but the BCCI understands the situation well. India helped Bangladesh gain independence, and the killing of our Hindu brothers there is deeply wrong. The people of Bangladesh should reflect on this,” stated Lal, who is part of India’s 1983 World Cup-winning team.
Rahman gained significant attention after KKR purchased him for a record Rs 9.20 crore during the December mini-auction, making him the most expensive Bangladeshi cricketer in IPL history. He was acquired from a starting price of Rs 2 crore following a fierce bidding war between Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals.
Although KKR has not yet issued an official statement regarding the BCCI’s ruling, it is expected that they will comply before the upcoming season begins.
In addition, spiritual teacher Devkinandan Thakur and various others have publicly criticized KKR and its co-owner, Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan, for signing Rahman. Thakur noted that followers of Sanatan Dharma, especially Hindus, were upset by KKR’s decision due to the ongoing atrocities against Hindus in the neighboring country.