The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has instructed Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from their squad, citing recent developments across the region as the primary reason. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed the directive, emphasizing that the decision followed a thorough review of the prevailing situation, including reports of communal tensions. He further noted that KKR is entitled to request a replacement player, with the board committed to facilitating an approval process to maintain competitive balance in the league ahead of the upcoming season.

This intervention stems from intense political and social backlash surrounding KKR's high-profile acquisition of the 30-year-old left-arm fast bowler during last month's auction. Rahman, renowned for his deceptive cutters and death-over expertise, was secured for a substantial Rs 9.20 crore following a heated bidding war that involved Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals, marking him as the most expensive Bangladeshi player in IPL history. His signing, however, quickly drew criticism from various quarters, particularly in light of documented incidents of violence targeting the Hindu minority community in Bangladesh throughout late 2024 and into early 2025.

Key figures from the BJP and Shiv Sena voiced strong objections, framing the inclusion of a Bangladeshi cricketer as insensitive given the reported attacks. BJP leader Sangeet Som directly accused KKR co-owner Shah Rukh Khan of prioritizing commercial interests over national sentiment, while Shiv Sena's Krishna Hegde advocated for a temporary exclusion of players from Bangladesh under the existing circumstances. Additional criticism came from spiritual leader Rambhadracharya, who echoed concerns about the timing of the signing amid heightened regional sensitivities.

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Conversely, opposition parties rallied in defense of the franchise and Khan, arguing against the infusion of politics into sports. Congress leader Bhai Jagtap highlighted the unfair targeting of Khan and stressed that player acquisitions undergo rigorous approval by cricketing authorities. Similar sentiments were expressed by Trinamool Congress spokesperson Kunal Ghosh and Samajwadi Party leader Abu Azmi, who criticized efforts to politicize a process governed by established sporting protocols and emphasized the importance of separating athletics from diplomatic disputes.

The underlying controversy is anchored in verified reports of violent episodes affecting Hindus in Bangladesh during December 2024 and subsequent months, which fueled public discourse in India. As of early January 2026, KKR has refrained from issuing an official statement regarding the BCCI's directive but is widely expected to comply fully, ensuring adherence to regulatory guidelines before the IPL season commences. This episode underscores ongoing debates about the intersection of sports, nationality, and socio-political contexts in international cricket leagues.

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