Anti-Bangladesh anger: KKR drops Mustafiz from IPL

Sports Desk

Mustafizur Rahman was bought by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for a record Rs 9.2 crore in this year’s Indian Premier League (IPL). However, in the end, he is no longer playing. This decision has been taken due to the backlash that has started in India in the wake of the ongoing political situation in Bangladesh and the anti-India sentiment. In the face of demands from some right-wing organizations, the BCCI finally ordered KKR to exclude Mustafiz from the IPL. The KKR authorities have also accepted that instruction.

“Kolkata Knight Riders confirms that the BCCI/IPL, as the governing body of the IPL, has directed them to release Mustafizur Rahman from the squad before the start of the upcoming Indian Premier League season,” KKR said in a statement on Saturday.

The statement further said, “The decision to release him has been taken after due process and discussions as per the instructions of the Board of Control for Cricket in India. As per the rules of the IPL, the BCCI will allow Kolkata Knight Riders to take a replacement player and details in this regard will be communicated in due course.”

KKR did not directly disclose in their statement the exact reason for the BCCI’s strict instructions. However, BCCI Joint Secretary Debjit Saikia (Debjyoti Saikia) had earlier hinted at Mustafiz’s exclusion in local media.