NEW DELHI: Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman is the center of attention, both because of his cricketing milestone and the growing controversy surrounding him IPL Participation. Amid the ongoing debate, Mustafizur took to social media to celebrate a personal achievement and his recent performance in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL).
After a strong performance against Sylhet Titans, Mustafizur shared a post on X (formerly Twitter) that reflected gratitude and calm amidst the noise.“Alhamdulillah for another milestone. 400 T20 wickets and a solid win against Sylhet Titans. Always grateful for the achievement. Thank you everyone for the love and support,” wrote Mustafizur Rahman on X.While Mustafizur continues to perform on the field, things have taken a different turn off the field. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has asked Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release the Bangladeshi pacer ahead of the 2026 Indian Premier League season. This decision came after political pressure and public debate following KKR’s attempt to sign him in the IPL auction.KKR had bought Mustafizur for Rs 9.20 crore, well above his base price of Rs 2 crore, after a bidding war with Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals. The franchise saw him as an experienced bowler from overseas who could strengthen their attack. But shortly after the signing, parts of the Bharatiya Janata Party and some religious groups raised objections. Their concerns were related to the current tension in India-Bangladesh relations and reports of violence in Bangladesh. What started as a tricky decision quickly turned into a sensitive political issue.BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed the board’s decision and clarified that KKR would be allowed to sign a replacement player.“The BCCI has asked the Kolkata Knight Riders to release Mustafizur Rahman from their squad. They can ask for a replacement if required and upon request, the BCCI will allow a replacement player,” Saikia told PTI on Saturday.When asked about the reason for the call, he added: “Due to recent developments everywhere.”Despite the controversy, Mustafizur continues to make his mark in the BPL. Recently, he took three wickets for Sylhet Titans, showing that his focus remains on cricket.
