In a major development ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, the Board of Control for Cricket in India has directed Kolkata Knight Riders to part ways with Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman.

The decision was communicated on Saturday, with the BCCI citing the prevailing situation in Bangladesh and reports of targeted attacks on the Hindu community. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed the development and clarified that the franchise has been granted permission to sign a replacement once Rahman is officially released from the squad.

“Considering the current situation, BCCI has instructed KKR to release Bangladesh player Mustafizur Rahman. The franchise will be allowed to sign a replacement if they wish,” Saikia said.

Rahman had been acquired by KKR for Rs 9.20 crore during the IPL 2026 mini-auction held in Abu Dhabi, following a bidding war with Chennai Super Kings. His signing, however, sparked criticism from several quarters, with KKR co-owner Shah Rukh Khan facing backlash amid strained relations between India and Bangladesh.

Political leaders also weighed in, accusing the franchise of overlooking national sentiment. Tensions between the two countries escalated following the killing of Dipu Chandra Das last month, after which multiple incidents of violence against Hindus were reported in Bangladesh.

Notably, the BCCI has not clarified whether the decision will impact India’s proposed white-ball tour of Bangladesh, where the teams are scheduled to play three ODIs and three T20 Internationals later this year. The Bangladesh Cricket Board has already released the tour itinerary, though the series was earlier deferred due to unrest in the country.