Bangladesh left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman was bought by Kolkata Knight Riders for ₹9.20 crore at the IPL 2026 auction held in Abu Dhabi on December 16, 2025. However, he was later dropped from the KKR squad following backlash in India over his signing, after which the BCCI asked the franchise to remove him from their squad.
Rahman was the only Bangladesh cricketer to secure an IPL contract for the 2026 season, and his exit means no player from Bangladesh will feature in the upcoming edition of the world’s richest franchise league.
The decision sparked tension in cricketing relations between India and Bangladesh and added to the uncertainty surrounding Bangladesh’s travel to India for the T20 World Cup 2026. Amid the ongoing developments, a significant update has now emerged from Bangladesh.
According to available information, Mustafizur—Bangladesh’s highest wicket-taker in T20 internationals—was offered the option to take legal or administrative action against KKR over his forced exit. However, the experienced pacer has chosen not to pursue the matter further.
Mohammad Mithun, President of the Cricketers’ Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB), confirmed on Thursday (January 15) that the possibility of taking action against the three-time IPL champions was discussed but ultimately dropped at Mustafizur’s request.
Mithun revealed that the World Cricketers’ Association (WCA), the global body representing players’ unions, had informed CWAB that KKR’s termination of Rahman’s contract could be challenged, as it was not based on cricketing performance or injury. Despite this, Mustafizur decided against escalating the issue.
Speaking at a press conference, Mithun said, “The WCA was prepared to support a formal protest or legal inquiry into the contract termination. However, based on Mustafizur’s personal decision, CWAB officially decided to drop the idea.”
