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In the wake of recent attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh that led to massive protest in India, pacer Mustafizur Rahman was released from KKR on BCCI's directive.
The BCCI and the BCB have been at odds over a number of issues since Mustafizur's IPL withdrawal was confirmed.
Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Bangladesh pacer, expressed his concerns on the recent developments involving his national teammate and IPL.
Bangladesh responded to KKR's decision by formally asking the ICC to move their T20 World Cup matches from India to Sri Lanka.
Mustafizur Rahman last played in the tournament eight years ago. He then represented Lahore Qalandars and registered four scalps in five matches.
Since the release was not due to injury or a cricketing reason linked to participation in the league, KKR are not contractually bound to pay him any amount.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board responded to the BCCI's ruling by requesting in writing that the ICC move its T20 World Cup matches from India to Sri Lanka.
The fallout did not stop at broadcast restrictions. In a further escalation, the Bangladesh Cricket Board decided not to send its national team to India for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
The Bangladesh administration has now made it known that all IPL, related broadcasts, promotions, and event coverages have been stopped with immediate effect.
Dubey received threatening messages on his WhatsApp number and phone calls from unidentified persons on Saturday, the Samta Nagar police station official said.
Even if Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) were to change their mind, Mustafizur will not be allowed to play in the IPL due to security issues.
T20 World Cup 2026: Bangladesh's four league games are -- against West Indies (February 7), Italy (February 9), England (February 14) in Kolkata followed by their last match against Nepal (February 17) in Mumbai.
Recently, KKR and co-owner Shah Rukh Khan have been criticized by several political personalities for Rahman's selection.
India’s long-time rivals Pakistan are already playing their World Cup matches in Sri Lanka under an arrangement finalised several months ago.
The reaction from Dhaka comes after protests in India over Mustafizur Rahman’s inclusion, following reports of attacks on Hindu minorities in Bangladesh, which ultimately led to the BCCI’s instruction to KKR to release the player.
"If we become a country that isolates all of our neighbours, and say nobody is playing with any of them, how does it do any good?" Tharoor had said earlier
After Mustafizur's signing, KKR was criticized heavily. Besides, Shah Rukh Khan was also in the limelight.
BCCI on Saturday instructed KKR to release Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman after recent political and public backlash
Since 2016, Mustafizur Rahman has participated in eight IPL seasons, with the exception of 2019 and 2020.
Following a fierce bidding war with Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals at the players' auction last month, KKR purchased the 30-year-old left-armer's services for Rs 9.20 crore.
A franchise's purse is normally "locked" when a player is acquired, according to conventional IPL auction regulations. But Mustafizur's case is different.
KKR’s Mustafizur Rahman replacement options ahead of IPL 2026.
Mustafizur Rahman is a veteran with over 100 appearances each in ODIs and T20Is.
Delhi Capitals are currently fifth on the points table, very much in contention to qualify for the IPL 2025 playoffs.
Following the UAE tour, Bangladesh will play five matches in Pakistan, starting from May 25. Both the series collide with the IPL.
