The Bangladesh government has chosen to take a hard stance “in the public interest” after the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) released Mustafizur Rahman from their IPL (Indian Premier League) 2026 lineup, as instructed by the BCCI. The government has prohibited the broadcast of IPL 2026 throughout the country.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, “no reason was communicated for the decision behind Mustafizur Rahman’s exclusion [from the IPL]” and that the development “caused distress among the people of Bangladesh.” It stated that the decision was made “in the public interest”. Firoz Khan, the ministry’s assistant secretary, has signed the declaration.
Mustafizur joined KKR for a whopping INR 9.20 crore in the IPL 2026 mini-auction, making him the most expensive Bangladeshi signing in league history. He was expected to play an important part in the tournament and to mentor the young and talented Matheesha Pathirana along the road. However, following Mustafizur’s release, KKR now has only one overseas pacer in their ranks. The BCCI has, however, given them the option of finding a substitute for the left-arm fast bowler.
The ban on IPL match broadcasts isn’t the only consequence of Mustafizur’s rejection by KKR.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has also petitioned the ICC to move the T20 World Cup 2026 matches away of India. They have also allegedly written to the BCCI, requesting an explanation for Mustafizur’s departure.
Bangladesh are in Group C, along with the West Indies, Italy, England, and Nepal. The Tigers are scheduled to play their first three matches at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on February 7, 9, and 14, respectively. Their group-stage campaign ends on February 17 after they face Nepal at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
Mustafizur, who has won the IPL previously, is currently playing for the Rangpur Riders in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2025-26.
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