Daijiworld Media Network - Kolkata
Kolkata, Jan 4: In a significant setback for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has asked the franchise to release Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman in view of escalating tensions between India and Bangladesh.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed the development on Saturday, stating that KKR would be allowed to name a replacement player if required. “The BCCI has asked Kolkata Knight Riders to release Mustafizur Rahman from its squad. They can ask for a replacement if needed, and upon request, the BCCI will allow a replacement player,” Saikia told mediapersons in Guwahati.
When asked about the reason behind the decision, Saikia said it was due to “recent developments all across,” without elaborating further.
KKR had secured Mustafizur at the December players’ auction for Rs 9.2 crore, following an intense bidding war with Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals, far above his base price of Rs 2 crore. The upcoming IPL season was set to mark the Bangladesh pacer’s debut with the three-time champions.
Pressure had been mounting on the BCCI over Rahman’s participation after the recent killing of a Hindu man in Bangladesh and India’s concerns over the safety of minorities there. The issue also sparked criticism of KKR co-owner and Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan, with some BJP leaders questioning the franchise’s decision to include the Bangladesh cricketer under the prevailing circumstances.
Mustafizur Rahman has featured in eight IPL seasons since 2016, missing only the 2019 and 2020 editions. He has previously represented Sunrisers Hyderabad, Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals, Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals.
Meanwhile, India and Bangladesh had postponed a white-ball bilateral series scheduled for 2025. Although the Bangladesh Cricket Board recently announced that the series would be held in Bangladesh this September, the BCCI has remained non-committal and is unlikely to agree to the schedule given the volatile political situation in the neighbouring country.