Kolkata Knight Riders asked by BCCI to release Mustafizur Rahman amidst India-Bangladesh tensions, with Shah Rukh Khan and KKR facing political criticism.
In what might come as a major blow to the Kolkata Knight Riders, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia on Saturday said that the board has asked the franchise to release Mustafizur Rahman, the Bangladesh pacer, with tensions soaring between India and its neighbour.
KKR bagged Rahman for Rs 9.2 crore, up from a base price of Rs 2 crore, after a fierce bidding battle with the Chennai Super Kings and the Delhi Capitals at the December players’ auction.
The BCCI said that KKR will be permitted to name a replacement cricketer if needed.
“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,” Saikia said while speaking to the media in Guwahati.
Asked why the BCCI has asked Kolkata Knight Riders to do so, he replied, “Because of recent developments all across.”
Pressure on the BCCI had been mounting over Rahman’s participation after the recent killing of a Hindu man in Bangladesh and India’s raised concerns about the safety of minorities in the nation.
Criticism has also targeted KKR co-owner and Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, with some BJP politicians questioning the decision to include Rahman, given the current circumstances.
Rahman has featured in eight IPL editions since 2016, missing the tournament only in 2019 and 2020.
Rahman has represented teams including the Sunrisers Hyderabad, Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals, Chennai Super Kings and the Rajasthan Royals. The upcoming edition would have marked his debut for three-time IPL champions KKR.
