Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman will not receive the full ₹9.2 crore he was set to earn after being released by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) ahead of IPL 2026. The decision to let him go came directly from the BCCI at the highest level amid political tensions and strained India-Bangladesh relations.
KKR had acquired Mustafizur for a record ₹9.2 crore in the December 2025 IPL mini-auction, outbidding franchises like Delhi Capitals and Chennai Super Kings. However, IPL rules allow franchises to terminate a player’s contract before the season starts under extraordinary circumstances, without paying the full fee. Any upfront payments or signing amounts may remain with the player, but KKR is not liable for the entire contract sum.
Mustafizur could have taken legal action through the World Cricketers’ Association over his release, but he chose not to pursue the matter, leaving him free to join the PSL 2026 draft.
This development ends months of uncertainty following the high-profile exit of Bangladesh’s leading T20 wicket-taker, who was the only Bangladeshi player to secure an IPL deal for 2026.
