 "The BCCI has not given any reason behind their decision to unofficially ban Mustafizur. Image: AFP")
Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman is facing an unfortunate situation after being released by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) ahead of the upcoming IPL season, with reports suggesting that he is unlikely to receive any financial compensation.
Mustafizur was picked up by KKR for a hefty Rs 9.20 crore at the IPL 2026 auction after a bidding war involving Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals. However, his stint with the franchise ended before it could even begin, following instructions from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
The decision came in the backdrop of recent incidents involving attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh, which led the Indian cricket board to request KKR to release Mustafizur, the only Bangladeshi player to be picked in this edition’s auction.
Mustafizur had no role in the events that triggered the decision. He neither withdrew from the league nor was accused of any misconduct. Despite that, KKR were asked to release the left-arm pacer, leaving him without a contract.
Why Mustafizur won’t be compensated?
The move has raised questions about player rights, especially for overseas cricketers. According to PTI, the existing IPL insurance and contract structure does not offer much protection in cases like this.
The report stated that player salaries are usually insured, but compensation is generally applicable only if a player is injured after joining the team camp or during the tournament. In such cases, insurance can cover up to 50 percent of the salary.
“The salaries of all IPL players are insured. For foreign international players, normally the franchise pays if they are injured after joining the camp or during the course of the tournament. Normally up to 50 percent is paid from insurance. It is better for India’s injured centrally contracted cricketers who normally get paid by the BCCI,” an IPL source was quoted as saying by PTI.
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View AllSince Mustafizur’s release was not due to injury or any cricket-related reason, his case does not fall under these standard clauses. As a result, KKR are not contractually required to pay him any amount.
“In case of an insurance claim, this current situation isn’t covered so KKR are under no official obligation to pay a penny. It is unfortunate but Mustafiz doesn’t have much option but to take a legal route and that too IPL comes under Indian law jurisdiction. No overseas cricketer would want to go through this or take the Court of Arbitration of Sport (CAS) route,” the source added.
Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has urged the International Cricket Council (ICC) to move their T20 World Cup 2026 matches out of India , citing safety concerns. The move came a day after the BCCI asked KKR to release Mustafizur.
The Bangladesh government, on the other hand, has also taken a strong stance, banning the broadcast of IPL in its country.