The decision by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to instruct the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from the upcoming 2026 Indian Premier League season has sparked significant discussion. The move, confirmed by the franchise, has now drawn a measured response from Masood Uz Zafar Amini, the personal coach of Indian star batter Rinku Singh.
Coach Amini's Stance: Cricket Over Creed
Amini, while speaking to the IANS news agency, emphasized that the sport should remain separate from religious or political discourse. He acknowledged that while opinions on the matter may vary, the final decision taken by the country's cricket governing body must be respected by all stakeholders. "If the BCCI has given permission to change the player, then it can be done," Amini stated.
He further elaborated on the identity of a sportsperson, asserting, "But Mustafizur Rahman is a cricketer first; Hindu or Muslim comes later." The coach pointed out that several IPL teams had bid for the left-arm pacer during the auction, and KKR's successful acquisition was purely a cricketing decision. "I would like to say that he is a player first and any religion is later," he reiterated.
The Context Behind the BCCI Directive
The BCCI's instruction to KKR, which led to Mustafizur's release, came amid growing criticism from certain political and spiritual factions in India. These groups had questioned the franchise and its owner, Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan, for signing the Bangladeshi player. Their objections were primarily linked to reports concerning attacks on Hindu minorities in Bangladesh.
Mustafizur Rahman was bought by KKR for a substantial sum of Rs 9.2 crore during the IPL auction held in Abu Dhabi in December 2025. A seasoned IPL campaigner, he has previously represented franchises like:
- Sunrisers Hyderabad
- Mumbai Indians
- Rajasthan Royals
- Delhi Capitals
- Chennai Super Kings
Since his debut in the league in 2016, the bowler has taken 65 wickets in 60 matches, showcasing his value as a T20 specialist.
A Call for Separation: Sport and State
In his concluding remarks, Amini made a clear distinction between the arena of sports and the realm of politics. "There should be no politics with players. Playing and politics are different things," he asserted. He acknowledged that societal incidents occur but stressed they should not be associated with the game.
"People of every religion live and such incidents keep happening. But this should not be associated with the game. However, it's a decision of the nation and since the BCCI has taken a decision, we have to abide by it," Amini added, underlining the need to accept the board's final call while upholding the principle that a player's skill should be his primary identity.
