The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly set to ban Bangladeshi cricketers from participating in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Many IPL teams also own franchises in overseas leagues and could follow the same approach with Bangladeshi players as they have with Pakistani cricketers.
Kolkata Knight Riders have been asked to release Mustafizur Rahman ahead of the IPL 2026 season following a directive from the BCCI. KKR signed the Bangladesh bowler for Rs 9.20 crore at the IPL 2026 mini auction in Abu Dhabi. The three-time champions will have to sign a replacement before the season begins.
BCCI Orders Mustafizur Rahman’s Release Amid Political and Security Concerns
The Board of Control for Cricket in India stepped in after growing unrest in Bangladesh and strong reactions from several voices in India. Many public figures criticized Shah Rukh Khan and demanded that Mustafizur Rahman should not take part in the IPL.
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Political leaders in West Bengal also raised objections. They warned of serious consequences if Mustafizur played matches at Eden Gardens during the season.
With the situation in Bangladesh still tense and diplomatic relations under strain, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said that Kolkata Knight Riders were asked to release Mustafizur from their squad immediately. He also confirmed that the BCCI will allow KKR to sign a replacement player.
At the IPL 2026 auction, seven Bangladeshi players were part of the list. However, only Mustafizur attracted interest from franchises. The others went unsold, but Mustafizur was picked because of his record as a death-overs bowler.
BCCI Holds Final Authority on IPL Decisions, Franchises Bound by League Rules
According to a report by Cricbuzz, the decision could not have been taken by a franchise on its own and only the Board of Control for Cricket in India has the authority to make such calls.
Franchises and players operate under strict contracts and league rules, which do not allow teams to act independently or make arbitrary decisions outside the IPL framework.
A senior IPL hand said, “It had to be the BCCI call and the franchise could not have taken an arbitrary decision. The franchises and players are bound by certain contracts from which they cannot overstep. The IPL rules prevent any kind of arbitrariness.”
Bangladesh Players Face Possible Exclusion From IPL and India-Owned Franchises
The report added that Bangladeshi players could be unavailable for India-linked franchises, a situation similar to what Pakistani players have faced since 2008. This restriction is not limited to the Indian Premier League alone.
Many IPL franchises also own teams in overseas leagues and have consistently avoided signing Pakistani players there as well. The same approach could likely apply to Bangladeshi cricketers, who may see fewer opportunities with India-owned teams across different leagues going forward.
“The ‘recent developments’, however, have placed Bangladesh players largely off-limits, much like Pakistan players have been since 2008. Not just in the IPL, the franchises, many of which also own teams in overseas leagues, have been steadfastly avoiding hiring Pakistan players. The same fate may also befall Bangladesh players, who represent some India-owned teams sporadically in different leagues,” the report read.
