Shah Rukh Khan-owned KKR came under fire after the BCCI ordered the franchise to release Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman. The decision followed growing backlash and nationwide protests, putting the IPL team and its ownership in the spotlight ahead of the 2026 season.
shah rukh khan and mustafizur rahman (Img: Internet)
Kolkata: Amidst the ongoing atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh and the daily reports of such incidents, the BCCI has ordered Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Bangladeshi player Mustafizur Rahman, who was bought by the team in the IPL 2026 auction. KKR had been facing criticism on social media since the start of the season and fans had appealed to co-owner Shah Rukh Khan to remove Rahman from the squad.
Mustafizur Rahman was the only Bangladeshi player to be sold in the IPL 2026 auction. His presence had fueled discontent among fans and on social media due to concerns over the increasing atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh. Consequently, the BCCI has instructed KKR to release Mustafizur Rahman and will allow a replacement player if needed.
BCCI Secretary Devjit Saikia said, “Following the recent events, the BCCI has instructed the franchise KKR to release Bangladeshi player Mustafizur Rahman from their squad. If the team requests a replacement player, the BCCI will grant permission.”
In the IPL 2026 auction, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) spent ₹9.20 crore to acquire Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman. However, the BCCI has now instructed the team to release him, which is likely to result in financial and strategic losses for KKR.
Spiritual Leader Devkinandan Thakur directly named KKR and demanded that Bangladeshi player Mustafizur Rahman be immediately removed from the team. He said, “If you love Hindus, if you love India, and if you have any compassion for Hindus, then Mr. KKR, remove that player from your team, remove him immediately.”
Thakur also warned that if the team does not comply with this directive, they will be forced to boycott KKR. His statement has further intensified the ongoing controversy and political pressure across the country.
