KKR release Bangladesh's Mustafizur Rahman on BCCI's directives

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have released Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman after being told to do so by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the Indian Premier League (IPL) team said on Saturday amid growing tensions between the countries.

Last month, hundreds protested near Bangladesh's High Commission in New Delhi after Hindu factory worker Dipu Chandra Das was killed in Bangladesh's Mymensingh district. A total of 12 people were arrested in connection with his death.

"Due to recent developments going on all across, the BCCI has instructed the franchise Kolkata Knight Riders to release one of their players, Mustafizur Rahman of Bangladesh, from their squad," BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia told Indian news agency ANI.

"They can ask for a replacement if needed. And upon request, BCCI will allow a replacement player."

Mustafizur, 30, has played for Sunrisers Hyderabad, Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals, Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals in previous seasons of the IPL, taking 65 wickets in 60 matches.

He was signed by Kolkata in last month's auction for a fee of INR92 million ($1.02 million), making him the most expensive player from Bangladesh in IPL history.

Later on Saturday, Kolkata confirmed Mustafizur had been released.

"BCCI will allow Kolkata Knight Riders a replacement player in line with IPL regulations, and further details will be communicated in due course," the team added in a statement.

Reuters has approached Mustafizur for comment.

The 19th edition of the IPL begins on March 26, after India and Sri Lanka co-host the T20I World Cup starting in February.

Mustafizur’s removal from the IPL came after politicians and religious figures in India publicly targeted KKR owner Shah Rukh Khan over the signing, according to Indian media reports.

Among the reactions cited, Hindu spiritual leader Jagadguru Swami Rambhadracharya labelled Shah Rukh Khan a “traitor” for hiring the Bangladesh player, while another religious figure, Devkinandan Thakur, also criticised the move and demanded the signing be revoked.

Thakur was also quoted as demanding that INR92 million be paid to families of Hindu children, who he said were murdered, linking his criticism to what he described as targeted atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh.

Political criticism was also reported. Shiv Sena (UBT) was quoted as calling Bangladeshis "enemies" and urging KKR to drop such players and choose Indian cricketers.

Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam criticised the signing and said the Indian government needed to intervene, adding that the actor should remove the player to avoid being targeted.