Sat Jan 03 16:55:59 UTC 2026: Here’s a news article summarizing the provided text:
KKR Forced to Release Mustafizur Rahman Amid Political Tensions, BCCI Confirms
New Delhi, India – The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have been directed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to release Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from their squad for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season, citing rising political tensions between India and Bangladesh.
The decision follows the recent killing of a Hindu man in Bangladesh, sparking controversy and putting pressure on the BCCI and KKR, particularly its co-owner Shah Rukh Khan. Various groups targeted Khan over the inclusion of Rahman in the team.
The 30-year-old Rahman, who became the first Bangladeshi pacer to claim 400 T20 wickets on Friday, expressed his helplessness to BDCricTime, stating, “If they release me, what can I do?”
KKR had secured Rahman’s services for a hefty Rs 9.20 crore after a bidding war at the recent auction. However, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia told NDTV that the board instructed KKR to release Rahman “After observing the recent development in Bangladesh.”
The BCCI has stated that KKR will be permitted to name a replacement player for Rahman, with the IPL season scheduled to begin on March 26. Saikia added that any future decisions regarding Bangladeshi players will depend on developments and that KKR will announce the change shortly.
First Piper 