KKR advised to sign South African star as Mustafizur's replacement
The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) face a crucial decision as they search for a replacement for Mustafizur Rahman after the Bangladesh pacer was released from his Rs 9.20 crore IPL contract on the instructions of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Former Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) player Shreevats Goswami has suggested that KKR should sign South African left-arm pacer Duan Jansen as a like-for-like replacement for the Bangladesh star.
Shreevats Goswami suggests Duan Jansen as replacement
In the midst of the controversy surrounding Mustafizur’s release, former RCB wicketkeeper-batsman Shreevats Goswami took to social media platform X to suggest that KKR should consider Duan Jansen, the younger brother of South African all-rounder Marco Jansen, as a replacement.
“Marco Jansen’s brother Duan Jansen isn’t a bad replacement option for the @KKRiders. Like for like and also can definitely bat better. Get him @KKRiders,” Goswami wrote on X.
Duan, who bowls left-arm pace like Mustafizur Rahman, has been in great form for Joburg Super Kings in the SA20. The 24-year-old offers a similar skill set to Mustafizur and can provide additional value with the bat, making him an attractive option for the two-time IPL champions.
BCCI allows KKR to name replacement player
The BCCI has confirmed that KKR will be allowed to name a replacement player if required for the event scheduled to start on March 26, 2026.
“The BCCI has asked Kolkata Knight Riders to release Mustafizur Rahman from its squad. They can ask for a replacement, if needed. And upon request, BCCI will allow a replacement player,” BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia told PTI.
When asked why the BCCI instructed KKR to release Mustafizur, Saikia replied, “Because of recent developments all across.”
Controversy escalates as BCB demands match shifts
The release comes after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) released a press statement demanding that Bangladesh’s matches be shifted from India due to ‘safety and security’ reasons. The broadcast of IPL in Bangladesh has also been stopped following the escalating tensions.
KKR had acquired Mustafizur’s services for Rs 9.20 crore from a base price of Rs 2 crore after an intense bidding war with Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals at the players’ auction last month.
In a statement, KKR confirmed it has released the player as instructed by the BCCI.
“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 for Cricket in India,” KKR said.