In a dramatic turn of events, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have been compelled to release their newly acquired Bangladeshi fast bowler, Mustafizur Rahman, just weeks before the start of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season. The decision came on Saturday following a direct instruction from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
The BCCI Directive and Political Context
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) directed the three-time IPL champions to let go of the left-arm pacer. This development occurs against the backdrop of a political storm, linked to a recent killing of a Hindu man in Bangladesh and India's subsequent expression of concern for the safety of minorities there. The pressure extended beyond the BCCI to KKR co-owner Shah Rukh Khan, who faced criticism from certain political quarters for the team's decision to sign the Bangladeshi player.
Mustafizur, an experienced campaigner in the IPL, was signed by KKR during the IPL 2026 mini-auction in Abu Dhabi last month for a hefty sum of ₹9.20 crores. The franchise had targeted him as a direct replacement for the departed Australian left-arm speedster, Mitchell Starc.
KKR's Official Statement and Replacement Search
Confirming the release, KKR issued a statement clarifying that the cricketer was let go after due process and consultations, strictly upon the instruction of the BCCI. The franchise also noted that the BCCI will allow them a replacement player in line with IPL regulations, with further details to be communicated later.
This sudden release leaves a significant gap in KKR's bowling attack, forcing them to scout for a new left-arm pace option. Several potential replacements are available from the pool of unsold players at the recent auction.
Potential Replacements for Mustafizur Rahman
Here are some players KKR might consider to fill the void:
- Spencer Johnson (Australia): A like-for-like left-arm option who was part of KKR in IPL 2025. He offers high pace and a good angle but managed only one wicket in four games last season. His base price was ₹1.5 crore.
- Fazalhaq Farooqi (Afghanistan): A proven new-ball bowler who can swing the ball both ways. His death bowling has improved, though he went wicketless in five matches for Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2025. Base price: ₹1 crore.
- Chetan Sakariya (India): A domestic option who understands Indian conditions well. He was with KKR as an injury replacement in IPL 2025. Choosing him would free up an overseas slot for batting. Base price: ₹75 lakh.
- Luke Wood (England): An experienced T20 bowler with skiddy pace and effective slower balls, highly sought after in franchise leagues globally. Base price: ₹75 lakh.
- Jason Behrendorff (Australia): An exceptionally consistent new-ball swing bowler with IPL experience at Mumbai Indians, where he took 19 wickets over two seasons. Base price: ₹1.5 crore.
KKR's full squad for IPL 2026 currently includes: Ajinkya Rahane, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Anukul Roy, Harshit Rana, Manish Pandey, Ramandeep Singh, Rinku Singh, Rovman Powell, Sunil Narine, Umran Malik, Vaibhav Arora, Varun Chakaravarthy, Cameron Green, Finn Allen, Matheesha Pathirana, Tejasvi Singh, Kartik Tyagi, Prashant Solanki, Rahul Tripathi, Tim Seifert, Sarthak Ranjan, Daksh Kamra, Rachin Ravindra, and Akash Deep.
