The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has instructed the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman from their IPL 2026 squad. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia cited "recent developments" and "growing strain in bilateral ties" as reasons for the directive. The decision follows controversy and backlash over Rahman's signing, linked to reports of violence against minorities in Bangladesh. KKR has confirmed the release and will be allowed to sign a replacement player.