Mustafizur's KKR exit sparks concern within Bangladesh cricket

There was disappointment within Bangladesh's cricket fraternity on Saturday after Kolkata Knight Riders were asked to release Mustafizur Rahman from their squad for the upcoming IPL 2026, following instructions from the BCCI.

Bangladesh's leading cricketers and coaches are currently in Sylhet for the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League and Mustafizur became a major topic of discussion after news broke that KKR had been asked to release the fast bowler amid growing political tension between the two neighbouring countries.

The decision has also put India's tour of Bangladesh in doubt, while questions have been raised over whether it would be wise for Bangladesh to travel to India for the T20 World Cup, starting next month.

"This is truly a sad incident. I don't know the exact reasons, though political factors were mentioned. It seems to be related to some forces or religion-based politics. But it's very sad, especially for Mustafiz, and for all of us, because we were looking forward to KKR, where Mustafizur would play, just like it was with Shakib," former BCB director Khaled Mahmud, who is currently the head coach of BPL side Noakhali Express, told reporters on Saturday.

"When Shakib played, we all became KKR supporters; with Mustafizur playing, we were all KKR supporters too. It's truly disappointing for us, and we are very embarrassed about it.

"I think our government should be informed regarding the Bangladesh team going to play in the World Cup and understand what responsibility and assurance they can provide for protection. If such a chaotic incident occurs in that case, our country will be at a loss, right? So both the BCB and the government should write a letter to the ICC. And I believe if all our matches could be held at a different venue outside India, that could be a solution," he added.

Former national skipper Mohammad Ashraful, who is guiding Mustafizur in the BPL as assistant coach of Rangpur Riders, said he was surprised by the turn of events. "Honestly, I was surprised that this kind of incident could happen. This time he was picked at the highest bid by Kolkata. We were all waiting to see Mustafizur's performance because since he first started playing in the IPL in 2016, he has been producing outstanding performances.

"But every year, he has never really received the respect he deserves. This year, Kolkata bid brilliantly, because Chennai and Delhi were also bidding, he was finally picked for 9.20 crore. When I heard news like this, that the BCCI had reportedly asked KKR to release him, I was genuinely surprised," said Ashraful.

"I believe cricket should not be mixed with politics at all. Hearing this really made me feel bad," he added.

Another former national skipper, Rajin Saleh, who is currently working with Rajshahi Warriors as batting coach, termed the decision insulting and added that the BCB should consider getting their T20 World Cup matches from India to Sri Lanka.

"This is insulting. It is insulting for Bangladesh cricket, not for Mustafizur. Mustafizur has played in the IPL for many years before, and there he has proven that he is one of the best bowlers in the world. In that context, calling him and then not calling him, or not taking him, is an insult to Bangladesh cricket," said Rajin.

"But I have heard that there is a security issue, that they will not be able to provide security to Mustafizur. If they cannot provide security to him in the IPL, then the Bangladesh team is going to India to play the upcoming World Cup. If they cannot provide security to just one player, then how will they provide security to all our players, or what will they do?"

"I definitely want that if there is actually no security in India, then the venue should be changed and moved to Sri Lanka," he added.

Meanwhile, there is also growing concern regarding the future of Bangladesh cricketers in franchise-based T20 tournaments, considering the strong possibility that they may not be picked, much like Pakistan players have been sidelined post 2008.

Not just in the IPL, franchises, many of which also own teams in overseas leagues, have been steadfastly avoiding hiring Pakistan players. The same fate may also befall Bangladesh players, who currently represent some India-owned teams sporadically across different leagues.