KKR Forced to Release Rahman, Bangladesh Bans IPL Broadcast

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) had to let go of star pacer Mustafizur Rahman for IPL 2026. This came after a direct order from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The move created a big controversy, mixing cricket with diplomatic issues between India and Bangladesh. KKR will get their money back, and they can sign another player. The IPL 2026 season is set to start on March 26, 2026.

Political Firestorm Behind the Release

Mustafizur Rahman’s signing much sparked a political firestorm. KKR bought the 30-year-old left-arm bowler for a hefty Rs 9.20 crore in December 2025. This made him the most expensive Bangladeshi player in IPL history, apparently. But, bilateral ties between India and Bangladesh have been strained lately. Reports of violence against Hindus in Bangladesh fueled public anger in India.

This led to a lot of criticism aimed at KKR and co-owner Shah Rukh Khan. Hindu spiritual leader Jagadguru Rambhadrachary even called Khan “anti-national” for signing Rahman. He said, “His character has always been questionable and anti-national.” Another spiritual teacher, Devkinandan Thakur, also spoke out. BJP leader Kaustav Bagchi went further. He warned that if any Bangladeshi cricketer played in Kolkata, they “won’t even let Shah Rukh Khan enter Kolkata,” according to a report from The Times of India. This was all tied to the idea that money earned by Bangladeshi players would somehow harm Hindu communities.

BCCI’s Directive and Bangladesh’s Response

The pressure really built up in late December and early January. Then, on Saturday, January 3, 2026, the BCCI stepped in. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed to PTI that KKR was told to release Rahman. Saikia just said it was “because of recent developments all across.” He linked it to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) wanting their 2026 T20 World Cup matches moved from India. They cited ‘safety and security’ worries.

KKR put out an official statement that same day. They confirmed the BCCI’s instruction and said they followed due process. And they added that BCCI would let them get a replacement player. Mustafizur Rahman himself seemed resigned to the decision. When asked about his release, he told BDCricTime, “If they release me, what can I do?” This was after all the controversy.

On Monday, January 5, things got even worse. The Bangladesh government ordered an indefinite ban on all IPL telecasts and streaming. They said Rahman’s release “hurt and angered the Bangladesh citizens.” Bangladesh Youth and Sports Advisor Asif Nazrul posted on Facebook, saying, “We won’t stand for any insult to Bangladesh’s cricket, cricketers and the country. The days of slavery are over.” It’s clear they’re not happy at all.

Escalating Tensions and Replacement Advice

This whole situation has really escalated. India has put a scheduled tour of Bangladesh later in 2026 on hold. The BCB is still pushing for those T20 World Cup matches to be shifted away from India, as The Times of India also reported. Former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh weighed in, saying “India welcomes everyone” amid the row. Indian politicians like Shashi Tharoor and Asaduddin Owaisi have also commented on the BCCI’s move, debating its implications.

So, KKR needs a new player. They’re getting a full refund for Rahman, which is good for them. Former Bangladesh wicketkeeper Shreevats Goswami already tweeted some advice. He suggested South African pacer Duan Jansen as a “like-for-like” option. He also noted Jansen could “defo bat better.” Duan is Marco Jansen’s brother. KKR hasn’t named anyone yet, but they’re three-time IPL champions. They just want to avoid more trouble, it seems.

The IPL broadcast ban in Bangladesh is a big deal for fans there. And the diplomatic tensions are definitely still high. No further announcements from BCCI or KKR on replacements just yet. This whole thing just shows how outside politics can really mess with sports, doesn’t it? Mustafizur Rahman’s auction purchase became a central point in this entire cricket and diplomatic saga.