Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman is included in KKR’s squad for the 2026 Indian Premier League. Following the violence against Hindus in Bangladesh, Mustafizur Rahman’s inclusion in the KKR squad has faced opposition.
Several social and religious organizations in the country have demanded Rahman’s removal from the team and the exclusion of any Bangladeshi player from the IPL. The Board of Control for Cricket in India has declined to comment on the issue.
Amid the boycott call, BCCI official’s comments published
According to information received by IANS from BCCI sources, the Indian government has not received any directives regarding the exclusion of Bangladeshi players from the IPL. A BCCI official told IANS, “This is beyond our control. We should not get involved in this matter. We have not received any directives from the government instructing us to prevent Bangladeshi players from participating in the IPL. We cannot comment further on this matter at this time.”
The auction for IPL 2026 was held on December 16, 2025. KKR purchased Mustafizur Rahman for a whopping ₹9.20 crore. This is the highest price paid by a Bangladeshi player in the IPL. Following the recent incidents of violence against Hindus in Bangladesh, questions are being raised about Rahman’s inclusion in IPL 2026.
Spiritual guru Devkinandan Thakur criticized KKR and its co-owner, Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan, for signing Rahman. He said that Hindus and followers of Sanatan Dharma were saddened by the inclusion of a Bangladeshi player amid reports of atrocities against Hindus in the neighboring country.
30-year-old Mustafizur Rahman has been playing in the IPL since 2016. He has previously played for Sunrisers Hyderabad, Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals, Delhi Capitals, L&S, and CSK. During this period, he has taken 65 wickets in 60 matches.
