The BCCI has instructed the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman from their IPL 2026 squad due to recent bilateral developments. Former Indian cricketer Atul Wassan supported the decision, stating it was unfair to target only KKR and that public sentiment necessitated the action. The BCCI confirmed KKR can seek a replacement player if needed, citing 'recent developments all across' as the reason for the directive. KKR has stated they are complying with the BCCI's instructions.