jasdooit

, Jan. 3 — The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has directed the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to remove Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from their team for the 2026 Indian Premier League.

This action marked further evidence of the worsening ties between the two neighboring countries since the collapse of Sheikh Hasina’s government in 2024, which has been labeled as authoritarian by analysts, and which had previously maintained a strong alliance with India.

The Indian committee has also approved the franchise’s request to appoint a substitute player.

BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia verified the order during an interview with an Indian news outlet in Guwahati.

“Because of recent developments, the BCCI has directed the KKR team to let go of the Bangladeshi player Mustafizur Rahman,” Saikia mentioned.

“The BCCI has also mentioned that if they want to substitute the player, the BCCI will also provide that approval,” he added.

The choice arises during increasing debate in Bangladesh after accounts of aggression toward religious groups in India.

Over the past few weeks, several incidents targeting Muslim communities have occurred in India.

A similar instance of religious intolerance occurred in Bangladesh as well.

In a particular case, a textile worker was killed by a group that claimed he had disrespected the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The Bangladeshi authorities detained approximately a dozen individuals linked to the event.

Indian media sources state that Mustafizur’s agreement with KKR has been under close examination in recent weeks.

Notable Indian personalities had demanded his dismissal, with religious figure Devkinandan Thakur advising KKR officials to release the cricketer.

In addition, BJP hardliner Sangeet Som openly criticized franchise owner Shah Rukh Khan regarding the purchase.

Mustafizur was the only Bangladeshi player acquired in last month’s auction, even though seven players from the country were on the list.

KKR acquired him for INR 9.20 crore, setting a new benchmark for a Bangladeshi player’s transfer fee in the tournament’s history.

Previously, reports suggested that the BCCI was waiting for government advice about the involvement of Bangladeshi players, but this new instruction verifies the board’s ultimate position on the issue.