"Political factors mentioned": Ex-Bangladesh star explains Mustafizur Rahman's KKR release
Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman’s release from the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season has sent shockwaves through the cricketing world, with former Bangladesh cricketers expressing disappointment and embarrassment over the saga. Mustafizur, who was signed by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for Rs 9.20 crore at last month’s auction, had no option but to accept his fate after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) issued the directive to release him.
“Political factors were mentioned,” says Khaled Mahmud
Former Bangladesh all-rounder Khaled Mahmud admitted being saddened by the turn of events, stating that while the BCCI has yet to issue a formal statement highlighting the reasons behind Mustafizur’s release, he believes the decision was “political” in nature.
“This is truly a sad incident. I don’t know the exact reasons, though political factors were mentioned. It seems to be related to some forces or religion-based politics. But it’s very sad, especially for Mustafizur, and for all of us, because we were looking forward to KKR, where Mustafizur would play, just like it was with Shakib (al Hasan),” Mahmud said, as quoted by Cricbuzz.
“When Shakib played, we all became KKR supporters; with Mustafizur playing, we were all KKR supporters too. It’s truly disappointing for us, and we are very embarrassed about it,” Mahmud added.
The decision to release Mustafizur came amid deteriorating India-Bangladesh relations following reports of widespread attacks on Hindu minorities in Bangladesh after the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2025. While the BCCI did not explicitly cite the political situation, it stated the move was triggered by “recent developments all around.”
“Insulting for Bangladesh cricket,” says Rajin Saleh
Former Bangladesh cricketer Rajin Saleh went a step further, calling the decision “insulting for Bangladesh cricket” and questioning India’s ability to provide security for the Bangladesh team at the upcoming T20 World Cup.
“This is insulting. It is insulting for Bangladesh cricket, not for Mustafizur. Mustafizur has played in the IPL for many years before, and there he has proven that he is one of the best bowlers in the world. In that context, calling him and then not calling him, or not taking him, is an insult to Bangladesh cricket,” Saleh said.
“But I have heard that there is a security issue, that they will not be able to provide security to Mustafizur. If they cannot provide security to him in the IPL, then the Bangladesh team is going to India to play the upcoming World Cup. If they cannot provide security to just one player, then how will they provide security to all our players, or what will they do? I definitely want that if there is actually no security in India, then the venue should be changed and moved to Sri Lanka,” he added.
Bangladesh seeks to shift T20 World Cup matches
Bangladesh is planning to ban IPL broadcasts in the country and has reportedly approached the International Cricket Council (ICC) seeking to shift their T20 World Cup matches from India to Sri Lanka due to security concerns.
Bangladesh government advisor Asif Nazrul has instructed the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to formally request the ICC to relocate Bangladesh’s four group-stage matches—three in Kolkata (February 7, 9, 14) and one in Mumbai (February 17)—to Sri Lanka.
However, the BCCI has called the demand a “logistical nightmare,” stating it is “next to impossible” to shift matches with just weeks remaining before the tournament begins.