Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) bought Mustafizur Rahman For Rs 9.20 crore in the IPL (Indian Premier League) 2026 mini-auction last month. However, the three-time champions will not be able to avail the services of the fast bowler during the upcoming edition of the IPL.
On Saturday, January 3, BCCI secretary Devjit Saikia confirmed in a media statement that the cricket-governing body had asked KKR to let Mustafizur go. Following this, KKR released a statement of their own, mentioning that the experienced left-arm fast bowler has been released. The Kolkata-based franchise also said that if they require a replacement player then they will be allowed to request a replacement player and details regarding the same will be announced in the future.
“Kolkata Knight Riders confirms that the BCCI/IPL, as the regulator of the IPL, has directed it to release Mustafizur Rahman from the team ahead of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season,” a statement said.
“The release has been made after due process and consultation on the instructions of the Board of Control for Cricket in India. The BCCI will allow Kolkata Knight Riders a replacement player in line with IPL rules, and further information will be given in due course,” the Ajinkya Rahane-led team said.
01:53 pm · January 03, 2026
Mustafizur, who has previously been a part of teams like Sunrisers Hyderabad, Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals, Delhi Capitals and Chennai Super Kings, became the most expensive Bangladeshi player ever in the IPL during last month's auction.
Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals were the other two teams that had bid to acquire the services of the 30-year-old player. However, KKR, entering the auction with the highest purse, were making every effort to bring Mustafizur into their ranks.
KKR had earlier bought Mathisha Pathirana in the auction. Mustafizur and Pathirana could form a lethal combination with the ball for the Knights in IPL 2026. It will be interesting to see who KKR selects as the replacement for the Satkhira-born player.
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