IND vs BAN
India may rethink cricketing ties with Bangladesh following Mustafizur Rahman’s release. (Credits : "X")

Overview:

The presence of Mustafizur Rahman in the squad triggered reactions that extended to KKR’s ownership, including criticism aimed at Shah Rukh Khan.

India’s proposed limited-overs tour of Bangladesh has been thrown into doubt amid evolving political circumstances. While the BCB had lined up a three-match ODI series followed by T20Is in September, sources indicate the BCCI is unlikely to proceed without clearance from the government. A report by The Indian Express suggests discussions are ongoing at the highest level.

“We didn’t make the Bangladesh trip last year either. Although the BCB had announced its international schedule, the situation remains uncertain because any overseas tour requires clearance from the Indian government. Regarding the T20 World Cup, Bangladesh will participate in India as per the existing fixture list,” a senior BCCI official was quoted as saying.

Following reports of a Hindu man being killed in Bangladesh, both the BCCI and KKR found themselves under growing public pressure. The presence of Mustafizur Rahman in the squad triggered reactions that extended to KKR’s ownership, including criticism aimed at Shah Rukh Khan.

The BCCI initiated communication with Kolkata Knight Riders on Saturday regarding the exit of Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman ahead of the IPL 2026 cycle.The Shah Rukh Khan–owned franchise has agreed to the board’s directive.

Kolkata Knight Riders had acquired Mustafizur Rahman for Rs 9.20 crore, making him the sole cricketer from Bangladesh to be bought at the IPL mini-auction. Following the BCCI’s call, the franchise later confirmed the pacer’s exit through an official media release.

“Kolkata Knight Riders confirms that BCCI/IPL as the regulator of IPL has instructed it to release Mustafizur Rahman from the squad ahead of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season. The release has been carried out following due process and consultations, upon the instruction of the Board of Control of Cricket in India,” KKR shared on the X.

The situation reflects a comparable stance taken in the past, with Pakistani cricketers remaining absent from the IPL amid ongoing diplomatic strains. India have avoided bilateral cricketing visits to Pakistan since 2006.

V M Suriya Narayanan is a passionate cricket writer who has been following the game since 2007. With a background in Civil Engineering (B.E.), he blends analytical thinking with a deep understanding of...