Mustafizur Rahman Breaks Silence After BCCI Forces KKR Exit Ahead Of IPL 2026

Mustafizur Rahman had expressed disappointment after being released from IPL 2026 on BCCI’s instructions.

Star Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman has finally spoken out on his sudden exclusion from the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, stating that he has no control over decisions taken by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

Rahman, who was bought by three-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders for Rs 9.2 crore at the mini-auction, was later released from the squad following instructions from the BCCI. According to reports, the left-arm pacer was disappointed at being let go without getting an opportunity to feature in the tournament.

“If they release me, there is nothing much I can do,” Rahman said while speaking to BDCricTime.

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The development has also led to wider ramifications in Bangladesh cricket. Following Rahman’s IPL release on BCCI’s orders, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has been directed by the country’s sports ministry to request a change of venue for Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup league matches from India to Sri Lanka, citing ‘concerns over player safety’.

BCB president and former Bangladesh captain Aminul Islam Bulbul remained silent after an emergency board meeting was called in response to the situation. However, government advisor Asif Nazrul confirmed that he has instructed the Board to approach the Jay Shah-led ICC with a formal request to shift Bangladesh’s four league matches.

Bangladesh Potentially Wants Venue Shift

Bangladesh are scheduled to play four league games in the T20 World Cup — against the West Indies on February 7, Italy on February 9, and England on February 14 in Kolkata, followed by their final group match against Nepal on February 17 in Mumbai.

According to a report by PTI, a BCCI source maintained that shifting venues would be nearly impossible with just a month remaining before the tournament. Pakistan, meanwhile, are already playing their World Cup matches in Sri Lanka under an arrangement finalised months ago.

Indo-Bangladesh relations have deteriorated sharply following the ouster of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India in August 2025 amid widespread anti-government protests.