BCCI instruct KKR to release Mustafizur Rahman

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has asked Kolkata Knight Riders to release Mustafizur Rahman, the left-arm Bangladesh pacer, who was roped in for a record purchase by the franchise at the recent Indian Premier League mini-auction in Abu Dhabi.

The BCCI's decision seemingly is based on the country's worsening diplomatic relations with its eastern neighbour. Mustafizur (30) was purchased for INR 9.2 crore by the Knight Riders after an intense bidding war with Chennai Super Kings, becoming the most expensive Bangladeshi player in the tournament's history.

"Due to the recent developments that are 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 Devaji Saikia told ANI on Saturday (January 3) morning.

The BCCI decision may be opening up a few question marks over the immediate future of cricket in the country, as India will be hosting the ICC Men's T20 World Cup in just over a month and Bangladesh are scheduled to play their games in the country. They are slated to play three league games in Kolkata and one in Mumbai, and how the current decision will influence the World Cup fixture is of immediate pertinence.

In the longer run, the decision throws up doubts over India's visit to Bangladesh later this year. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) announced on Friday a six-match white-ball series in September, supposedly a tour that was postponed last year, but that series may be in serious jeopardy too.

When contacted BCB cricket operation chairman Nazmul Abedin said that they have heard about the development but it was not formally communicated. "All I can say is that I have heard about such news but till now not received anything formally," said Nazmul.

Mustafizur has been a regular feature in the IPL since the 2016 season representing teams like SunRisers Hyderabad, Delhi Capitals, Chennai Super Kings, and Rajasthan Royals, finding takers particularly for his shrewd death-bowling skills and variations. He has so far featured in 60 IPL matches across eight seasons claiming 65 wickets at an average of 28.45 and economy rate of 8.13.

With inputs from Atif Azam