KKR issues statement after BCCI instructs franchise to release Mustafizur Rahman ahead of IPL 2026

The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) bought Mustafizur Rahman for INR 9.20 crore at the IPL (Indian Premier League) 2026 mini-auction last month. However, the three-time champions will not be able to avail the pacer's services during the upcoming edition of the IPL.

On Saturday, January 3, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed in a media statement that the cricket-governing body had asked KKR to let go of Mustafizur. Subsequently, KKR released a statement of their own, mentioning that the experienced left-arm pacer has been released. The Kolkata-based franchise also stated that they will be allowed to request a replacement player if they need one, and details regarding the same will be announced in the future.

"Kolkata Knight Riders confirms that BCCI/IPL as the regulator of IPL has instructed it to release Mustafizur Rahman from the squad ahead of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season," said in a statement.

"The release has been carried out following due process and consultations, upon the instruction of the Board of Control of Cricket in India. BCCI will allow Kolkata Knight Riders a replacement player in line with IPL regulations, and further details will be communicated in due course," the Ajinkya Rahane-led side added.

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Mustafizur, who has been a part of teams like Sunrisers Hyderabad, Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals, Delhi Capitals, and Chennai Super Kings in the past, became the most expensive Bangladeshi player of all time in the IPL during last month's auction.

Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals were the other two teams that put in bids to acquire the services of the 30-year-old. However, KKR, entering the auction with the highest purse, went all-out to have Mustafizur in their ranks.

KKR bagged Matheesha Pathirana earlier in the auction. Mustafizur and Pathirana could have formed a lethal combination with the ball for the Knights in IPL 2026. It will be interesting to see who KKR picks as a replacement for the Satkhira-born.