BCCI Clarifies Bangladesh Players’ IPL 2026 Status, Says No Government Objection
BCCI says no govt directive bars Bangladesh players, including Mustafizur Rahman, from playing IPL 2026 despite criticism.
The BCCI has said it has received no communication from the Indian government objecting to Bangladesh players taking part in IPL 2026, including Mustafizur Rahman.
The statement comes after criticism over Mustafizur’s inclusion in the IPL auction amid reports of violence against religious minorities in Bangladesh, which sparked anger on social media and among some groups in India.
Seven Bangladesh players had registered for the IPL 2026 auction, but only Mustafizur was picked. He was bought by Kolkata Knight Riders for Rs 9.20 crore, making him the lone Bangladeshi name in the league this season.
A senior BCCI functionary said government clearance is compulsory for all overseas players, regardless of country. He added that the board will follow any directive it receives and cannot act on its own.
“For all foreign players, Bangladeshi or not, government clearance is mandatory. BCCI has to go by what the government says. We shall wait for directives,” the official told NDTV.
Another BCCI source echoed the same view, saying the board has not received any instruction to stop Bangladesh players from participating. The source stressed that franchises only pick players from the approved auction pool.
“Let’s not get into this. It is not in our hands. We have not received any communication from the government directing us to prevent Bangladesh players,” the source told IANS.
Mustafizur is no stranger to the IPL. Since debuting with Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2016, the left-arm pacer has played for multiple franchises and taken 65 wickets in 60 matches, with an economy rate of 8.13.
The signing, however, drew sharp reactions from some quarters. Spiritual leader Devkinandan Thakur criticised KKR and team owner Shah Rukh Khan, claiming the decision hurt Hindus and followers of Sanatan Dharma.
Political reactions have been divided. While some voices demanded action, many leaders argued that sports should not be mixed with politics or diplomatic issues, and that players should not be targeted for matters beyond their control.
The controversy comes at a time when public anger in India is high over alleged atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh. Some groups linked this sentiment to Mustafizur’s IPL participation, putting pressure on the league and the board.
For now, the BCCI has made its position clear. Unless the government issues a formal directive, Bangladesh players remain eligible to play in IPL 2026, and the board says it will strictly follow official instructions, not public pressure.
