Why BCCI asked KKR to let go of Mustafizur Rahman? What's next for Shah Rukh Khan's IPL team | EXPLAINED

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will have to release Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from its squad ahead of the IPL 2026 edition, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed on Saturday. The move comes amid growing diplomatic tensions between India and Bangladesh.KKR had acquired the 30-year-old left-arm pacer for Rs 9.20 crore at last month’s auction, outbidding Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals. He was set to make his debut for the three-time IPL champions this season.BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia told PTI, “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, BCCI will allow a replacement player.” When asked why, he added, “Because of recent developments all across.”The decision follows mounting concerns over Rahman’s participation after the killing of a Hindu man in Bangladesh and India’s heightened focus on minority safety there. The matter also drew political attention, with BJP leaders questioning KKR co-owner and Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan’s decision to include Rahman.Shah Rukh Khan’s KKR: What’s next?KKR now has the option to name a replacement player for Rahman ahead of the IPL. The team management will need to recalibrate its pace attack strategy before the tournament. With the auction window still fresh, KKR could explore domestic or overseas fast-bowling options to fill the void.About RahmanRahman, a veteran of eight IPL seasons, has played for teams including Sunrisers Hyderabad, Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals, Chennai Super Kings, and Rajasthan Royals. The upcoming season would have been his first for KKR.Bilateral cricket and political backdropThe decision also reflects broader tensions in India-Bangladesh cricket relations. Last year, a white-ball series was postponed, and the BCCI remains cautious about confirming future tours due to volatile political developments in Bangladesh.Following the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India in August 2025 amid anti-government protests, bilateral relations have strained further. Dhaka’s outreach to Pakistan and a new interim government under Muhammad Yunus has complicated diplomatic and cricketing ties, prompting the BCCI’s precautionary measures.Recent lynching incidents in BangladeshA Hindu man was lynched to death and his body set on fire over alleged blasphemy in Bangladesh in a recent incident of violence against the minority community. The victim, identified as 25-year-old Dipu Chandra Das, was a factory worker in Mymensingh city, according to Bangla Tribune.The interim government condemned the lynching, saying there was no space for such violence in the new Bangladesh and that the perpetrators would not be spared.In another incident, a Hindu man was lynched over alleged extortion in Rajbari town’s Pangsha upazila, The Daily Star reported. The deceased, identified as Amrit Mondal, was alleged to have been involved in extortion and other criminal activities. The incident occurred days after another lynching involving a member of the minority community.