BCCI instructs KKR to release Mustafizur Rahman

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has asked Kolkata Knight Riders to release Bangladesh left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman. Mustafizur was bought by KKR for INR 9.2 crore at the recent IPL mini-auction, making him the most expensive Bangladeshi player in IPL history.

BCCI secretary Devaji Saikia stated, "Due to the recent developments that are going on all across, BCCI has instructed the franchise KKR to release Mustafizur Rahman of Bangladesh from their squad. BCCI has also said that if they ask for any replacement, BCCI is going to allow that replacement."

This decision comes amid worsening diplomatic relations between India and Bangladesh. It raises immediate questions about the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup, which India will host in just over a month. Bangladesh are scheduled to play three league games in Kolkata and one in Mumbai during the tournament.

The move also casts doubt on India's planned white-ball tour of Bangladesh later this year. A six-match series, rescheduled to September, may now be in jeopardy.

BCB cricket operations chairman Nazmul Abedin said they have heard about the development but have not received any formal communication. "All I can say is that I have heard about such news but till now not received anything formally," he stated.

Mustafizur has been an IPL regular since 2016, playing for SunRisers Hyderabad, Delhi Capitals, Chennai Super Kings, and Rajasthan Royals. In 60 IPL matches across eight seasons, he has taken 65 wickets at an average of 28.45 and an economy rate of 8.13.