The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) issued a directive to three-time IPL champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Bangladesh left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman from their squad for the 2026 season, a move confirmed by BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia on January 3, 2026, citing "recent developments" amid reports of violence against Hindu minorities in Bangladesh that had triggered significant public and political outrage in India.
Reports indicate that the decision originated from the highest echelons of the BCCI without any formal meeting, discussion, or consultation with all board members or the IPL Governing Council, with a senior official revealing that many within the organization learned of the instruction only through media reports, highlighting an unusually centralized approach to a sensitive franchise matter.
Mustafizur Rahman, who became the most expensive Bangladeshi player in IPL history after being acquired by KKR for Rs 9.20 crore in a heated bidding war involving Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals during the December 2025 mini-auction, was the sole Bangladeshi cricketer selected for the season, and the franchise has been assured permission to pursue a suitable replacement player.
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In swift retaliation, the Bangladesh government imposed an indefinite nationwide ban on the broadcast, telecast, and promotion of all IPL 2026 matches and related programs, stating that the BCCI's action lacked any logical justification and had caused widespread distress, anger, and grievance among the public.
The escalating crisis has severely impacted bilateral cricketing relations, prompting the Bangladesh Cricket Board to formally request the International Cricket Council to relocate their group-stage matches in the upcoming February 2026 Men's T20 World Cup from venues in India to co-host Sri Lanka, while the status of a planned white-ball tour by India to Bangladesh later in the year remains uncertain pending governmental approvals and further diplomatic developments.
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