KKR to release Mustafizur Rahman amid regional tensions, BCCI Secretary states that…
In a significant move that bridges the gap between international diplomacy and franchise cricket, the BCCI has officially intervened in the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) camp. Board Secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed today that the board has instructed KKR to release Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman from their squad effective immediately.
Here is a breakdown of the situation and what it means for the upcoming cricket season.
KKR-Mustafizur Situation
The decision comes in the wake of escalating regional tensions and security concerns that have dominated headlines recently. Mustafizur, who was a high-profile signing for KKR at Rs 9.20 crore during the December auction, now finds his IPL journey cut short before it could even begin.
Key Highlights for KKR Fans
The BCCI has explicitly told KKR to let go of the left-arm pacer due to “recent developments across the region.”
In a move to support the franchise, Secretary Saikia confirmed that KKR will be allowed a replacement player. This ensures the defending champions (from 2024) can maintain their bowling depth.
As the most expensive Bangladeshi player in IPL history, his exit opens up a significant portion of the purse for a last-minute replacement signing.
“Due to the recent developments that are going on all across, BCCI has instructed the franchise KKR to release one of their players, Mustafizur Rahman of Bangladesh… if they ask for any replacement, BCCI is going to allow that.” Devajit Saikia, BCCI Secretary
#WATCH | Guwahati | BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia says, “Due to the recent developments that are going on all across, BCCI has instructed the franchise KKR to release one of their players, Mustafizur Rahman of Bangladesh, from their squad and BCCI has also said that if they ask… pic.twitter.com/53oxuRcmZp
— ANI (@ANI) January 3, 2026
India vs New Zealand: Squad Announcement Today
Turning his attention to the international calendar, Saikia provided a major update for Indian fans waiting on the ODI squad for the New Zealand series.
The selection committee is meeting in Mumbai today, January 3, to finalize the roster for the three-match series starting January 11.