The cricketing world witnessed a fresh controversy over the weekend as Bangladesh's left-arm pace sensation, Mustafizur Rahman, was released by the Indian Premier League franchise Kolkata Knight Riders. This move came swiftly on Saturday following a directive issued by the Board of Control for Cricket in India.
A Decision That Sparked International Ripples
The release triggered an immediate and significant reaction from the Bangladesh Cricket Board. On Sunday, the BCB announced a major decision, stating that the national team would not travel to India for the upcoming T20 World Cup, citing security concerns. While the BCCI did not explicitly link Mustafizur's release to the prevailing political tensions, it clarified that the action was prompted by "what's been happening all around."
This episode has undeniably added a political layer to the narrative. However, Mustafizur Rahman's story in the IPL is rich and extends far beyond the current dispute. Before his brief and abruptly ended stint with KKR, five other IPL franchises had placed their faith in the talented bowler over several seasons.
Mustafizur Rahman's Storied IPL Career Across Franchises
The 'Fizz' announced his arrival on the IPL stage in spectacular fashion in 2016 with the Sunrisers Hyderabad. That debut season was nothing short of a breakthrough. He scalped 17 wickets in 16 matches, maintaining an impressive economy rate of just 6.90 runs per over. His lethal cutters and clever change of pace made him a death-overs specialist and a key component in SRH's title-winning campaign.
His journey, however, saw him move across teams in the following years:
- 2017: Returned to SRH but managed only one appearance due to fitness issues and national duties.
- 2018: Played for Mumbai Indians, taking 7 wickets in 7 matches.
- 2021: Represented Rajasthan Royals, delivering a steady performance with 14 wickets in 14 games.
- 2022-2025: Donned the Delhi Capitals jersey across three editions, claiming 13 wickets in 13 matches. His best phase with DC came in the 2025 season where he took 4 wickets in 3 matches at an economy of 7.90.
- 2024: The Chennai Super Kings entrusted him with a major role, and he repaid it by taking 14 wickets in just 9 matches, including a four-wicket haul.
In total, Mustafizur Rahman has featured in 60 IPL matches, collecting 65 wickets at an average of 28.44 and a strike rate of 20.9. His best bowling figures stand at 4 wickets for 29 runs.
The KKR Chapter and the Road Ahead
Kolkata Knight Riders had secured Mustafizur's services for a hefty sum of Rs 9.20 crore after a intense bidding war at the Abu Dhabi auction. The Shah Rukh Khan-owned franchise's plans for the bowler were cut short by the BCCI's intervention, leading to his release.
This development has cast a shadow over the cricketing relations between the two neighbouring nations. The Bangladesh Cricket Board's retaliatory move to pull out of the T20 World Cup in India underscores the seriousness of the fallout. As the situation evolves, Mustafizur Rahman's future in the world's most lucrative T20 league remains uncertain, leaving fans to reflect on what has been a remarkable, if now complicated, IPL journey for the Bangladeshi star.
