Mustafizur release signals uneasy future for Bangladesh players

Kolkata Knight Riders have confirmed they have complied with a BCCI instruction and released Mustafizur Rahman, the Bangladesh pacer they bought for INR 9.2 crore at the recent mini-auction.

"The release has been carried out following due process and consultations, upon the instruction of the Board of Control of Cricket in India. BCCI will allow Kolkata Knight Riders a replacement player in line with IPL regulations," the franchise stated.

The directive to release the player came from the BCCI. In buying Mustafizur, KKR had initially followed BCCI directives, as the board had registered him for the auction. There were seven Bangladesh players in the auction, but only Mustafizur was picked.

There was fierce bidding for Mustafizur. Delhi Capitals started at INR 2.2 crore, going up to INR 5.2 crore before KKR entered. Chennai Super Kings bid up to INR 9 crore before KKR secured him for INR 9.2 crore.

Mustafizur has previously represented Chennai Super Kings, Delhi Capitals, SunRisers Hyderabad, and Rajasthan Royals. A senior IPL source stated the franchise could not have acted alone: "It had to be the BCCI call… The IPL rules prevent any kind of arbitrariness."

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia announced the decision, citing 'recent developments' without elaboration, and confirmed KKR would be allowed a replacement player.

These 'recent developments' have placed Bangladesh players largely off-limits, similar to the situation with Pakistan players since 2008. Franchises, many of which own teams in overseas leagues, have consistently avoided hiring Pakistani players. The same fate may now befall Bangladesh players, who are sporadically part of India-owned teams in other leagues.