NEW DELHI: In a major development, the BCCI has asked Kolkata Knight Riders to release Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from their IPL 2026 squad, Board secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed to PTI.

The decision comes amid calls to boycott Bangladeshi players following reports of violence and lynchings targeting the Hindu minority in Bangladesh.

Mustafizur was signed by KKR for the IPL 2026 season, with the Kolkata-based franchise securing the Bangladesh pacer for Rs 9.20 crore at the auction held in December last month.

The BCCI stated that KKR will be permitted to name a replacement player if needed.

“The BCCI has asked Kolkata Knight Riders to release Mustafizur Rahman from its squad. They can ask for replacement, if needed. And upon request, BCCI will allow a replacement player,” Saikia told PTI on Saturday.

Asked why the BCCI has asked Kolkata Knight Riders to do so, he replied, “Because of recent developments all across.”

The pressure had been mounting on the BCCI over the participation of the Bangladesh cricketer amid recent killing of a Hindu man in the country and India’s expression of concern for the safety of minorities there.

(With PTI Inputs)