New Delhi: Kolkata Knight Riders are already facing several problems. Indian Premier League 2026 season. The team lost the first Bangladeshi fast bowler. Mustafizur Rehman After the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) asked the franchise to drop him from the squad.KKR bought Mustafizur for 9.20 crore during the auction after a bidding war with Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals. The team hoped that the experienced left-arm fast bowlers would strengthen their bowling attack.
However, the move sparked controversy amid political tensions, prompting the BCCI to intervene.BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed that the board had asked KKR to release the player given the sensitive situation surrounding the signing.
Harshit Rana’s injury concerns
KKR then got another shock with the young Indian fast bowler Harshit Rana. His participation in IPL 2026 is uncertain after appearing on crutches during the BCCI Naman Awards 2026 in Mumbai.Rana was to receive the award for Best International Debut (Male) but was unable to walk on stage due to his injury, which led to Arun Dhumal stepping down and presenting him with the award.The fast bowler later underwent knee surgery on February 9 and is expected to require two to three months to recover, raising doubts whether he will be fit for the upcoming IPL season. His possible absence could weaken KKR’s pace attack, where he has played an important role in recent years.
Possible promotion with Mathisha Pathirana.
Despite the setbacks, there may be some positive news for KKR. Player agent Amila Kaloglaj recently posted a “person fencing” emoji on X, which many believe signals good news regarding Sri Lankan pacer Muttisha Pathirana.While playing for the Sri Lankan national cricket team during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, Mathisha Pathirana suffered an injury, ruling him out of the remaining matches of the tournament and raising doubts over his availability for the Indian Premier League 2026. The fast bowler had taken two wickets in three matches with an economy rate of 6.05. However, Post confirms that he may have fully recovered and is fit to play, and is expected to play a key role in Kolkata Knight Riders’ pace attack.KKR have also included a fast bowler from Zimbabwe. Blessings of Mudarbani As a backup option. Despite this, changing Rana’s role, especially in the crucial death overs, could still be a challenge for the team as they prepare for the new season.
