Bangladesh’s pace sensation Mustafizur Rahman, who was snapped up by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for INR9.2 crore at the IPL 2026 auction, has been released from the franchise following a directive issued by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), reports Daily Sun.
The move has triggered widespread reaction within Bangladesh’s sporting community, with fans, former cricketers and sports officials expressing disappointment and anger, describing the decision as politically motivated and unfair.
Adding his voice to the growing criticism, Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) president Tabith Awal strongly condemned the development, expressing concern over what he described as political interference in sport.
In a Facebook post, Tabith Awal wrote: “Despite being selected by Kolkata Knight Riders, Mustafizur Rahman has been dropped from IPL 2026 purely due to political pressure. I am deeply disappointed by this development.”
He further added: “Mustafiz is a world-class athlete who earned his place through professionalism, skill and performance. Targeting him merely because of his nationality is an alarming display of injustice and intolerance — something entirely incompatible with the spirit of cricket.”
Calling for sport to remain separate from politics, Tabith urged the Indian authorities and the BCCI to reconsider their stance, saying: “I urge the Indian authorities and the BCCI to stop politicising sport. Sport has the extraordinary power to transcend differences and unite people. It should never become a tool of division, but rather a bridge for mutual respect and understanding.”
He concluded with a message of support: “Stay strong, Mustafiz. The entire nation stands with you.”
Bd-Pratidi English/ AM
