Fans of the Indian Premier League (IPL) threatened a total boycott of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) following their purchase of Bangladeshi bowler Mustafizur Rahman ahead of 2026. Protests erupted across social media and elsewhere against KKR’s co-owner Shah Rukh Khan after his franchise paid ₹9.2 crore for Rahman at the 2026 auction.
What Triggered Protests Against Mustafizur Rahman’s Signing before IPL 2026?
Detailed reports on the lynching of a Hindu man in Bangladesh sparked strained diplomatic relations between India and Bangladesh. Dipu Chandra Das was killed in Mymensingh, Bangladesh by an extremist mob in December 2025. KKR fans believed the franchise should not have sought a Bangladesh player after events that led to Dipu’s gruesome murder.
BCCI Orders KKR to Release Rahman, Okays Search for Replacement Player
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia officially confirmed the rumours of Mustafizur’s exit from KKR ahead of IPL 2026. The BCCI exec also said that KKR has a slot to replace Rahman before next season begins:
“Due to recent developments going on all across, the BCCI has instructed the franchise Kolkata Knight Riders to release one of their players, Mustafizur Rahman of Bangladesh, from their squad. They can ask for a replacement if needed. And upon request, BCCI will allow a replacement player,” Saikia said.
KKR Release Statement Following Mustafizur Rahman’s Exit
The KKR franchise released an official statement regarding the sudden exit of Mustafizur Rahman from the franchise:
“The release has been carried out following due process and consultations, upon the instruction of the Board of Control of Cricket in India,” a KKR statement read on their official social media profiles.
“BCCI will allow Kolkata Knight Riders a replacement player in line with IPL regulations, and further details will be communicated in due course,” the statement added.
BCCI Official Reveals Why India Did Not Travel to Bangladesh for Bilateral Series in 2025
An unnamed source at the BCCI claims scheduling conflicts and non-approval from India’s government influenced the decision to cancel last year’s bilateral series between both teams:
“We didn’t travel to Bangladesh last year too, BCB had issued their international calendar, but it looks doubtful, as we need Indian government approval to play in any other country. As far as the T20I World Cup is concerned, Bangladesh will play as per the scheduled games,” the source said.
BCB Requests New Venues for Upcoming T20 World Cup 2026 Fixtures
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) made formal requests to the International Cricket Council (ICC) to move the venues of their upcoming T20 WC fixtures out of India:
“The Board reviewed the situation in detail, taking into account developments over the last 24 hours and expressed deep concern over the overall circumstances surrounding the participation of the Bangladesh National Team in matches scheduled to be played in India,” a section of an official BCB release read.
“Following a thorough assessment of the prevailing situation and the growing concerns regarding the safety and security of the Bangladesh contingent in India and considering the advice from the Bangladesh Government, the Board of Directors resolved that the Bangladesh National Team will not travel to India for the tournament under the current conditions,” the statement added.
“In light of this decision, the BCB has formally requested the International Cricket Council (ICC), as the event authority, to consider relocating all of Bangladesh’s matches to a venue outside India,” the board’s statement concluded.
Rahman’s KKR Pre-Season Exit “Political” – Former Bangladesh Cricketer Suggests
Retired Bangladesh cricketer Khaled Mahmud believes political tensions are behind the sudden removal of Mustafizur Rahman from KKR’s IPL 2026 squad. Mahmud alleges that some “forces or religion-based politics” ensured Rahman could not bowl a single ball for KKR before leaving the franchise:
“This is truly a sad incident,” the retired cricket star said.
“I don’t know the exact reasons, though political factors were mentioned. It seems to be related to some forces or religion-based politics. But it’s very sad, especially for Mustafizur, and for all of us, because we were looking forward to KKR, where Mustafizur would play, just like it was with Shakib (al Hasan).”
“When Shakib played, we all became KKR supporters; with Mustafizur playing, we were all KKR supporters too. It’s truly disappointing for us, and we are very embarrassed about it,” Mahmud added.
Rajin Saleh Calls Rahman’s Forced Removal from KKR IPL 2026 Squad an “Insult”
Retired Bangladesh cricketer Rajin Saleh blasted the BCCI’s decision, calling it an insult on his national team’s cricket:
“This is insulting. It is insulting for Bangladesh cricket, not for Mustafizur. Mustafizur has played in the IPL for many years before, and there he has proven that he is one of the best bowlers in the world. In that context, calling him and then not calling him, or not taking him, is an insult to Bangladesh cricket,” the ex-cricketer said.
