The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has clarified that its decision to release Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman applies only to the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season and does not extend to Bangladesh’s participation in the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which will be hosted by India.

Indian cricket board chief Mithun Manhas confirmed that no decision has yet been taken regarding Bangladesh’s World Cup matches on Indian soil. Speaking to IANS on Saturday, Manhas said the issue was discussed in detail before the IPL- call was finalized, while the World Cup matter remains open.

“The BCCI has taken this decision after thorough consultation, and Mr Saikia has already conveyed it to the media. The decision is only to the IPL. We have not discussed the World Cup yet, and once that happens, we will share the details,” Manhas said.

The clarification comes a day after BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed that Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) were instructed to release Mustafizur Rahman from their squad ahead of IPL 2026.

The move followed directives from the BCCI in light of recent developments in Bangladesh. Over the past few days, the issue had turned sensitive after several spiritual and political leaders publicly criticized KKR and its owner, actor-producer Shah Rukh Khan, for signing the Bangladesh pacer at the IPL auction.

The backlash emerged amid reports of attacks on members of the Hindu minority in Bangladesh, which triggered widespread public outrage and intense reactions across social media platforms.

Mustafizur was purchased by KKR for ₹9.2 crore at the IPL auction held in Abu Dhabi in December 2025, making him the most expensive Bangladeshi player in IPL history. Since making his IPL debut in 2016, the left-arm seamer has claimed 65 wickets in 60 matches.

Rahman’s exit from IPL 2026 has also raised fresh questions over Bangladesh’s participation in the T20 World Cup matches scheduled to be held in India. Bangladesh are slated to face West Indies, Italy, and England on February 7, 9, and 14 at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, before taking on Nepal on February 17 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

As of now, the BCCI has made no official announcement regarding these fixtures.