Mustafizur Rahman Breaks Silence After KKR Release Amid IPL 2026 Row

Mustafizur Rahman has spoken publicly for the first time after being released by Kolkata Knight Riders ahead of IPL 2026, saying the decision was not in his control and he has accepted it.

Speaking from Bangladesh, Mustafizur said he had little say in the matter once the franchise made up its mind. “If they release me, what can I do?” he said, keeping his response short and calm amid the noise around the issue.

KKR released the left-arm pacer after being instructed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India following rising political tension between India and Bangladesh. The situation worsened after the killing of a Hindu man in Bangladesh, which brought cricket into a sensitive political space.

The decision put pressure on both KKR and the BCCI, turning Mustafizur’s IPL future into an issue that went far beyond cricket. The bowler himself was caught in the middle, despite having no role in the developments.

KKR had picked Mustafizur for Rs 9.20 crore at the IPL 2026 auction after a bidding battle with Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals. His base price was Rs 2 crore, and he was the only Bangladesh player sold at the auction.

The signing had already drawn criticism from some groups, with KKR co-owner Shah Rukh Khan facing backlash over Mustafizur’s inclusion in the squad. That pressure only grew as political tensions increased.

A BCCI official explained the board’s position clearly, saying, “After observing the recent development in Bangladesh, BCCI has taken a decision and instructed KKR authorities to release Bangladeshi bowler Mustafizur Rahman from their squad.”

The official added that the situation could still change in the future. “This decision was taken due to recent development in Bangladesh but in future what will happen can’t say right now,” the official said, while confirming that KKR were told to act quickly.

The BCCI has allowed KKR to look for a replacement player if needed for the IPL, which begins on March 26. The board said it would approve any replacement request as per league rules.

On the field, Mustafizur continues to achieve major milestones. He recently became the first Bangladesh fast bowler to take 400 or more wickets in T20 cricket, underlining his value in the shortest format.

For now, the pacer says he is focused on playing cricket and leaving decisions to the boards and franchises, even as his IPL exit remains one of the most talked-about stories of the season.