After BCCI diktat, SRK team drops Bangladesh player from IPL squad

The decision comes amid national uproar, where KKR owner and Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan was trolled on social media, with fringe groups calling him a "traitor" for acquiring the services of the Bangladeshi pacer for the KKR for a sum of Rs 9.2 crore.

“Due to the recent developments which are going on all across, the BCCI has instructed the KKR to release one of their players, Mustafizur Rahman of Bangladesh, from their squad and the BCCI has also said if they ask for any replacement, the board is going to allow that replacement," BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia told ANI on Saturday.

Although he did not specify the exact reason for this drastic step, it is understood the decision was taken because of public uproar over reports of targeted attacks on the Hindu minority in Bangladesh.

“The release has been carried out following due process and consultations, upon the instruction of the BCCI. The board will allow the KKR a replacement player in line with IPL regulations and further details will be communicated in due course,” the KKR said in the media statement.

The development casts a big doubt over future cricketing relations amid rising tensions between the neighbouring countries. The Bangladesh Cricket Board has already raised security concerns for its players as they are scheduled to visit India during the 2026 World T20. They have officially left it to the International Cricket Council, now headed by Jay Shah, to decide on the venues.

The BCCI, meanwhile, has put on hold its scheduled white-ball tour, where they were to play three one-dayers and three T20 internationals against Bangladesh in August.