KARACHI: Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Saturday confirmed the release of Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman, citing orders issued by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
“Kolkata Knight Riders confirms that BCCI/IPL has instructed the IPL controller to release Mustafizur Rahman from the team ahead of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season,” the franchise said in a statement.
“The release has been made following due process and consultation on the instructions of the Board of Control for Cricket in India.
“BCCI will allow Kolkata Knight Riders a replacement as per IPL norms and details will be communicated in due course.”
The development came hours after BCCI secretary Devjit Saikia told Indian News Agency that the cricket board had instructed KKR to drop the fast bowler from their squad, citing recent tensions between India and Bangladesh.
“Due to the recent developments, the BCCI has advised the release of one of the Kolkata Knight Riders players, Mustafizur Rahman of Bangladesh, from their squad,” BCCI secretary Devjit Saikia told Indian news agency ANI.
“They can ask for a substitute player if required. And on request, the BCCI will allow a substitute player.”
The 30-year-old has so far claimed 65 wickets in 60 matches for Sunrisers Hyderabad, Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals, Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals in previous seasons of the IPL.
He was signed by KKR for 92 million rupees ($1.02 million) in last month’s auction, making him the most expensive player from Bangladesh in IPL history.
After India and Sri Lanka co-host the ICC Men’s T20I World Cup 2026, the 19th edition of the IPL, scheduled to be held from February 7 to March 8, will begin on March 26.
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