The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to release Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season. However, this decision is solely for the IPL, and there has been no determination yet regarding Rahman’s participation in Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup matches in India, as confirmed by BCCI chief Mithun Manhas.
Following recent events, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia instructed Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Rahman from their squad for the 2026 IPL. This move came amidst criticisms directed at KKR and team owner Shah Rukh Khan for signing Rahman at the auction, given the reported attacks on Hindu minorities in Bangladesh.
Rahman, who was purchased by KKR for Rs 9.2 crore in the December 2025 IPL auction, has previously played for various teams and has a track record of 65 wickets in 60 matches since 2016. His release from IPL 2026 has raised questions about his participation in Bangladesh’s upcoming matches in the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup to be held in India.
