New Delhi: Bangladesh fast bowlers Mustafizur RehmanThe sudden eviction from Kolkata Knight Riders has been termed as “unfortunate” by IPL chairman Arun Singh Dhumal. Mustafizur, who was bought for Rs 9.5 crore ahead of the 2026 season, was released following instructions from BCCIsparking backlash and wider controversy.
“I would just say it was unfortunate. Beyond that, I don’t know much,” Dhumal said in an interview with the Financial Times.The incident was not limited here. IPLas a series of developments followed that saw Bangladesh replace Scotland in the 2026 T20 World Cup. The episode also revived discussions about how external factors influence decisions in cricket, especially in high-profile tournaments like the IPL.Dhumal brushed off such concerns, saying, “It’s unfortunate, I would say, the way things turn out sometimes. I don’t think the government has any interest or any role in the day-to-day running of cricket. The government supports cricket in a big way.”KKR clarified that the move was not his own but was done as per instructions. In an official statement, the franchise said, “Kolkata Knight Riders confirms that the BCCI/IPL as the regulator of the IPL has directed it to release Mustafizur Rahman from the squad ahead of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season.”“The release has been made after due process and consultation…BCCI will allow Kolkata Knight Riders a replacement player as per IPL regulations,” the statement added.Dhumal remained optimistic about the future, saying, “But, yes, sometimes things happen around us and decisions are made after that. I am sure good sense will prevail and that will not happen going forward.”
