Mustafizur IPL Ban sparks ‘Big Question’, can Bangladesh play T20 World Cup in India?
In a major development today, January 3, 2026, the BCCI has officially instructed Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman from their squad. This decision comes after intense public and political pressure following recent reports of violence against the Hindu community in Bangladesh. After getting instructions, KKR immediately released Mustafizur from it’s squad but also allowed the 3-time champion to get a replacement.
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed the move, noting that while the board monitored the situation closely, the “recent developments all across” made the player’s exit necessary. KKR, who bought the left-armer for Rs 9.20 crore in the December auction, will be allowed to sign a replacement player to fill the gap in their bowling attack.
#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
In addition to the IPL news, Secretary Saikia provided an update on the national team. The selection committee is meeting this afternoon to finalize the Indian squad for the 3-match ODI series against New Zealand, which begins on January 11.
Senior icons Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are set to return after strong domestic performances. Pacer Mohammed Shami is expected to be named in the squad after proving his fitness.
The T20 World Cup Question: Will Bangladesh Travel?
With the 2026 T20 World Cup set to begin on February 7 (hosted by India and Sri Lanka), many are wondering if the Bangladesh team will be allowed to play in India.
As of now, the schedule remains unchanged. Bangladesh is still slated to play their matches in India (likely at venues like Kolkata and Mumbai). Unlike Pakistan, who will play their matches outside of India as per prior agreements, shifting Bangladesh’s matches this late would be a logistical nightmare for the ICC and BCCI.
While the BCCI is unlikely to make a sudden change, the final decision rests with the Indian Government and the Ministry of External Affairs, who will prioritize security and national sentiment.