The BCCI has asked the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman from their IPL 2026 squad due to deteriorating bilateral relations. Former Indian cricketer Atul Wassan supported the BCCI's decision, stating it was necessary given public sentiment and unfair to solely target KKR or Shah Rukh Khan, as other teams also bid for the player. KKR purchased Rahman for Rs 9.20 crore and may seek a replacement player.