Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have removed Bangladeshi cricketer Mustafizur Rahman from their squad. Amid reports of violence against minority Hindus in Bangladesh, demands were being raised to remove him from the team. Following this, the BCCI instructed Shah Rukh Khan’s IPL franchise KKR to release Mustafizur Rahman, after which the decision was taken.

KKR tweeted that, following the BCCI’s directive and after completing all necessary procedures and mutual consultations, Mustafizur has been removed from the team. As per IPL regulations, the BCCI has allowed KKR to sign a replacement player. Further details related to this will be shared in due course. 

KKR Media Advisory. 🔽 pic.twitter.com/ZUZB620Uv7

— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) January 3, 2026

Earlier today, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia said that, in view of recent developments, the Board had instructed KKR to release Mustafizur. If the franchise requests a replacement player, permission will be granted.

Amid the violence against Hindus in Bangladesh, there has been opposition to Rahman playing in the IPL. In the past 14 days, four Hindus have been killed there. IPL 2026 will begin on 26 March, while the league final will be played on 31 May. 

January 2, 2026

Haridwar Saints oppose Bangladeshi players in IPL 2026

Kolkata Knight Riders’ signing of Bangladesh bowler Mustafizur Rahman triggers protests

The signing of Bangladeshi players by IPL teams, while Hindus in Bangladesh face brutal violence and genocide, shows a total disregard for Hindu lives. Hindus throughout Bharat must demand an immediate end to all sporting ties until the safety of Hindus in Bangladesh is guaranteed. No game should come before the safety of Hindus facing persecution. – Editor, HJS

Haridwar (Uttarakhand): Seers and Saints from Haridwar have openly voiced their opposition to the purchase and inclusion of Bangladeshi cricketers in IPL 2026. The Saints stated that if Indian cricketers play alongside Bangladeshi players, they will take to the streets in protest, further claiming that Indian players who do so would be labelled as “jihadis”.

Acharya Pawan Krishna Shastri of the Shri Akhand Parshuram Akhada remarked that Bangladeshis have committed atrocities against Hindus, and Hindus are being killed and burnt there. He warned that if matches are played with such individuals, he, along with thousands of office-bearers, would stage street protests. At present, the Kolkata Knight Riders is the only franchise to have purchased a Bangladeshi player, bowler Mustafizur Rahman.

On 27 December, the Saint community, the Shri Akhand Parshuram Akhada, and various social organisations held a protest at the Maya Devi Temple against Bangladeshi players. The demonstrators demanded that these players be barred from the tournament.

The protesters stated that they would travel to match venues to protest. They asserted that anyone who signs or maintains relations with Bangladeshi or Pakistani players possesses a “jihadi” mindset, and that the Shri Akhand Parshuram Akhada will strongly oppose such actions. 

Devkinandan Thakurji voices strong opposition to the signing

During an event in Mumbai, prominent spiritual orator Devkinandan Thakur voiced his strong opposition to the signing. Lashing out at Shahrukh Khan, the owner of KKR, he asserted that no Bangladeshi cricketer should be permitted to participate in the IPL. He questioned the ultimate destination of the ₹9.2 crore fee, stating that the funds would ultimately be used to target Hindus. Issuing a stern warning to the KKR management, Thakur stated that unless the signing is cancelled, a massive public outcry would follow.