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Media linked the move to pressure from Hindutva supporters and BJP leaders over KKR fielding a Bangladeshi player amid reports of attacks on Hindu minorities in Bangladesh, with the franchise owner Shah Rukh Khan also targeted.

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The BCCI has has directed IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders to part ways with Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman ahead of the 2026 season, citing unspecified “recent developments”.

“Due to the recent developments which is going on all across, BCCI has instructed the franchise KKR to release one of their players, Mustafizur Rahman of Bangladesh, from their squad and BCCI has also said that if they ask for any replacement, BCCI is going to allow that replacement,” BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia told ANI on Saturday.

Saikia did not elaborate on the developments behind the decision.

However, Indian media reports in recent days have linked the move to pressure from Hindutva figures and BJP leaders over KKR’s inclusion of a Bangladeshi player amid reports of attacks on Hindu minorities in Bangladesh. The criticism has also been directed at the franchise’s owner, Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan.

The announcement comes shortly after the Bangladesh Cricket Board unveiled its home international schedule beginning in March 2026, which includes a white-ball series against India comprising three one-day internationals and three Twenty20 matches. The tour had originally been slated for 2025 before being postponed.

Mustafizur, who began his IPL career in 2016, has represented several franchises including Sunrisers Hyderabad, Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals, Delhi Capitals and Chennai Super Kings. He has taken 65 wickets in 60 IPL matches.

KKR bought the left-arm seamer for 92 million rupees at last year’s auction as part of a squad overhaul that also saw the additions of Akash Deep, Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana and Australia all-rounder Cameron Green.

The 30-year-old was the only Bangladeshi player to secure an IPL contract for the 2026 season and is currently featuring for Rangpur Riders in the Bangladesh Premier League.