Bangladesh Cricket Board Reacts To Their Player’s Release From IPL
Rising political tensions between India and Bangladesh have spilled into cricket, triggering a series of rapid developments involving the IPL, national cricket boards and the ICC.
On January 3, Kolkata Knight Riders released Mustafizur Rahman from their squad for IPL 2026. The move followed instructions from the Indian Cricket Board, citing “recent developments.” Reports linked the decision to the worsening political situation involving Bangladesh.
Indian media outlets reported that spiritual and political leaders had criticised KKR and owner Shah Rukh Khan for signing a Bangladeshi player at a sensitive time. Within hours, KKR confirmed the release, stating that it was carried out “following due process and consultations, upon the instruction of the Board of Control of Cricket in India.”
The news came just a day after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) announced its home season from March 2026. That schedule includes a white-ball tour by India comprising 3 ODIs and 3 T20Is, a series earlier planned for 2025 but later rescheduled.
Bangladesh Refuses Travel to India for T20 World Cup
On January 4, the BCB announced that the national team would not travel to India for the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup. The board cited concerns over the “safety and well-being” of players amid deteriorating political ties with India. The decision was also linked to the Mustafizur Rahman episode.
The team is scheduled to play matches in Kolkata and Mumbai, with their opening game against West Indies on February 7 at KKR’s home ground Eden Gardens. With the tournament less than a month away, the BCB has approached the ICC seeking support.
ICC Faces Tough Call as Bangladesh Seeks Shift
The 2026 T20 World Cup will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Bangladesh have already written to the ICC to shift their T20 World Cup matches out of India. Unlike the 2025 Champions Trophy, the event does not follow a hybrid model. Any relocation of Bangladesh’s matches could complicate scheduling and logistics. The ICC hasn’t taken a decision on this matter yet.
The BCB has also written to the BCCI, seeking an explanation for Mustafizur Rahman’s release. This followed an earlier request from the Indian board asking BCB to make the player available for the IPL auction.
Bangladesh Bans IPL 2026 Broadcast
On January 5, the Bangladesh government escalated matters by banning the broadcast of IPL 2026 in the country. The move came in response to the BCCI’s role in Mustafizur Rahman’s withdrawal from the league.
Television and digital platforms in the country have aired the IPL since its launch in 2008. This marks the first time the Bangladesh government has banned the telecast of an international cricket tournament.
BCB continue to press the ICC to move their T20 World Cup matches out of India, to Sri Lanka.
Mustafizur Rahman’s IPL Record
Mustafizur Rahman has been a familiar name in the IPL since 2016. He has represented Sunrisers Hyderabad, Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals, Delhi Capitals and Chennai Super Kings. Across his IPL career, he has taken 65 wickets in 60 matches.
KKR picked the left-arm pacer for INR 9.2 crore at the IPL 2026 auction.
He was the only Bangladesh cricketer to secure an IPL deal for the upcoming season. He played for CSK last season.
At present, Rahman is playing for Rangpur Riders in the Bangladesh Premier League. He recently reached 400 T20 wickets.