The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has clarified that its decision to release Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL 2026 season is limited only to the tournament, with no decision yet on Bangladesh’s participation in T20 World Cup matches scheduled to be held in India, said BCCI chief Mithun Manhas.

BCCI: “World Cup not discussed yet”

Speaking to IANS on Saturday, Manhas emphasized that the BCCI’s directive regarding Mustafizur is confined to the IPL and does not extend to the T20 World Cup at this stage.

“The BCCI has taken this decision after thorough consultation, and Mr Saikia has already conveyed it to the media. The decision is related only to the IPL; we have not discussed the World Cup yet. We will share details once that is done,” Manhas said.

The clarification comes after BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia announced that three-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) had been asked to release left-arm fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from their squad for IPL 2026 following instructions from the BCCI due to “recent developments” in Bangladesh.

Background: Mustafizur’s IPL 2026 release

Mustafizur was acquired by KKR in the IPL auction in Abu Dhabi in December 2025 for a hefty Rs 9.2 crore, making him the most expensive Bangladeshi player in IPL history. However, in recent days, many spiritual and political figures criticized KKR and team owner Shah Rukh Khan for roping in Rahman, amid reports of widespread attacks on Hindu minorities in Bangladesh and deteriorating India-Bangladesh relations.

Rahman has been a regular feature in the IPL since 2016, having previously played for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Mumbai Indians (MI), Rajasthan Royals (RR), Delhi Capitals (DC), and Chennai Super Kings (CSK). In 60 matches, he has picked up 65 wickets with his trademark slower deliveries and cutters.

Shadow over Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup matches in India

Mustafizur’s release from IPL 2026 has also cast a shadow over Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup games scheduled to be staged in India. Bangladesh are set to play their group-stage matches against West Indies, Italy, and England on February 7, 9, and 14 at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata before facing Nepal at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on February 17.

While the BCCI has not made any official statement regarding Bangladesh’s World Cup fixtures in India, the ongoing diplomatic tensions and civil unrest have raised questions about whether those matches will proceed as planned or be relocated to neutral venues.

The BCCI has promised to share further details once a decision is made regarding the T20 World Cup.