KKR release Bangladesh’s Mustafizur Rahman on BCCI instructions

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have released Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman after being told to do so by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the Indian Premier League (IPL) side said on Saturday amid rising tensions between the countries.

Last month, hundreds demonstrated near the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi following the killing of Hindu factory worker Dipu Chandra Das in Bangladesh’s Mymensingh district. A total of 12 people were arrested over his death.

“Due to the recent developments happening everywhere, the BCCI has instructed the Kolkata Knight Riders franchise to release one of their players, Mustafizur Rahman of Bangladesh, from their team,” BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia told the Indian news agency. ANI.

“They can ask for a replacement if needed. And on request, the BCCI will allow a replacement player.”

Mustafizur, 30, has played for Sunrisers Hyderabad, Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals, Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals in previous IPL seasons, taking 65 wickets in 60 matches.

He was signed by Kolkata Knight Riders in last month’s auction for a fee of INR 92 million ($1.02 million), making him the most expensive Bangladeshi player in IPL history.

Later on Saturday, Kolkata confirmed that Mustafizur had been released.

“BCCI will allow Kolkata Knight Riders one replacement player as per IPL regulations and further details will be shared in due course,” the team added in a statement.

Reuters has reached out to Mustafizur for comment.

The 19th edition of the IPL begins on March 26 after India and Sri Lanka co-hosted the T20I World Cup starting in February.

Mustafizur’s removal from the IPL came after politicians and religious figures in India publicly targeted KKR owner Shah Rukh Khan for the signing, according to Indian media reports.

Among the reactions reported, Hindu spiritual leader Jagadguru Swami Rambhadracharya called Shah Rukh Khan a “traitor” for hiring the Bangladeshi player, while another religious figure, Devkinandan Thakur, also criticized the move and called for the signing to be withdrawn.

Thakur is also reportedly calling for INR 92 million to be paid to the families of Hindu children he said were murdered, linking his criticism to what he described as targeted atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh.

Political criticism was also mentioned. The Shiv Sena (UBT) reportedly called the Bangladeshis “enemies” and urged KKR to drop such players and pick Indian cricketers.

Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam criticized the signing and said the Indian government should step in, adding that the actor should remove the player to avoid being targeted.