Mustafizur Row: Bangladesh pacer breaks silence after KKR axing

New Delhi: Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman, who has been axed by IPL outfit Kolkata Knight Riders after his selection sparked widespread outrage in India, has broken his silence on the issue.

Speaking to Bangladeshi media outlet BDcrictime, Mustafizur Rahman said, "What else can you do if you are dropped?"

The bowler had been signed by KKR for Rs 9.20 crore.

What led to the controversy?

KKR had secured Rahman’s services during the auction for IPL 2026, leading to a massive hue and cry. Several political leaders and Hindu spiritual leaders branded KKR co-owner Shah Rukh Khan a traitor and called for the axing of the acer from the IPL franchise.

 How has the BCCI responded?

The Kolkata Knight Riders were eventually forced to release Mustafizur Rahman from their squad for the upcoming 2026 Indian Premier League season after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) stepped in and officially instructed the franchise to part ways with the left-arm pacer.

"Kolkata Knight Riders confirms that BCCI or IPL, as the regulator of IPL, has instructed it to release Mustafizur Rahman from the squad ahead of the upcoming Indian Premier League season. The release has been carried out following due process and consultations, upon the instruction of the Board of Control for Cricket in India. BCCI will allow Kolkata Knight Riders a replacement player in line with IPL regulations, and further details will be communicated in due course," the franchise said in a statement.

Commenting on the incident, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said, "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."

Clarifying the BCCI’s stand on the issue, Saikia said, “The BCCI has also said that if they ask for any replacement, BCCI is going to allow that replacement."