New Delhi: Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur RahmanIPL president Arun Singh Dhumal called the sudden expulsion from Kolkata Knight Riders “unfortunate”. Mustafizul was bought for Rs 95 crore before the start of the 2026 season and was released on the team’s instructions. BCCIsparking backlash and wider controversy.
“All I can say is it’s unfortunate. I don’t know much other than that,” Dumar told the Financial Times in an interview.Events are not limited to intense pulsed lightfollowed by a series of developments that ultimately led to Bangladesh being replaced by Scotland in the 2026 T20 World Cup. The incident has also reignited discussions about how external factors sometimes influence cricket decisions, especially in high-profile tournaments such as the IPL.Addressing the concerns, Dhumal said: “I would say it’s unfortunate the way things go sometimes. I don’t think the government has any interest or role to play in day-to-day cricket. The government supports cricket as a whole.”KKR clarified that the move was not their own and was done as per instructions. “Kolkata Knight Riders confirm that the BCCI/IPL, the governing body of the IPL, has directed it to release Mustafizur Rahman from the team ahead of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season,” the team said in an official statement.“The release comes after due process and consultation… BCCI will allow Kolkata Knight Riders to replace a player as per IPL regulations,” the statement added.Dumar remains hopeful about the future, saying: “But yes, sometimes things happen around us and then we make decisions. I believe good judgment will prevail and that won’t be the case in the future.”
