KKR Release Mustafizur Rahman on BCCI Orders Amid India-Bangladesh Tensions

Being a pal of political dissimilarities visible between India and Bangladesh, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) has released Mustafizur Rahman, purchased for a mere amount of ₹9.20 crores in a mini-auction, because of orders received from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Even though Indians are split opinions on Rahman's release, the BCB has also reacted sharply against this issue. Moreover, a response has also been given to this incident by Mustafizur Rahman himself, without which this story could remain unheard, let alone remain unrevealed and unpublished.

Mustafizur Rahman, in his first reaction to BDcrictime, said, "What else can you do if you're released?" This clearly demonstrates Rahman's disappointment. In recent days, amid the ongoing political tensions between India and Bangladesh, several politicians have criticized KKR and its co-owner Shah Rukh Khan for including Rahman in the team. Recently, BJP leader Sangeet Som even called him a traitor.

It's worth noting that several Hindus have been murdered in Bangladesh in recent months, straining relations between the two countries. Mustafizur Rahman is also being targeted for this reason. Seeing the Mustafizur issue gaining momentum, BCCI Secretary Devjit Saikia hastily issued instructions to KKR on Saturday to release him. The franchise immediately complied and released him.

An ESPNcricinfo report suggests that the Bangladesh Cricket Board is also preparing to take action. The BCB is going to write to the ICC, demanding that their upcoming T20 World Cup matches be moved from India to Sri Lanka. Bangladesh was originally scheduled to play their matches in Kolkata. The BCB is concerned about the safety of its team and therefore wants the matches moved out of India.