According to BCCI sources, the board has not received any directive from the Government of India instructing it to bar Bangladeshi players from taking part in the IPL.
BCCI directs KKR to release Mustafizur Rahman amid ongoing developments (Photo: IANS)
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The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Thursday refrained from commenting on the participation of Bangladeshi cricketers in the Indian Premier League (IPL), amid growing debate surrounding the issue.
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According to BCCI sources, the board has not received any directive from the Government of India instructing it to bar Bangladeshi players from taking part in the IPL.
The controversy gained momentum following the signing of Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman at last month’s IPL mini-auction. The left-arm fast bowler was picked up by the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for Rs 9.20 crore, making him the most expensive Bangladeshi player in IPL history.
The signing has sparked debate in light of reported instances of violence against the Hindu minority in Bangladesh, with several political and public figures questioning the decision to include a Bangladeshi player in the tournament.
Reacting to the matter, a BCCI source told IANS:
“Let’s not get into this. It is not in our hands. We have not received any communication from the government directing us to prevent Bangladesh players from participating in the IPL. We can’t comment much as of now.”
Mustafizur Rahman made his IPL debut with Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2016 and has since become a regular feature in the league. He has taken 65 wickets in 60 IPL matches, maintaining an economy rate of 8.13.
In the 2024 season, Rahman represented Chennai Super Kings but was released after the franchise failed to qualify for the playoffs. Over the years, he has also played for Mumbai Indians (2018), Rajasthan Royals (2021), and Delhi Capitals (2022–23).
During the 2025 season, Rahman returned to the IPL as an injury replacement for Australia batter Jake Fraser-McGurk at Delhi Capitals.
Several political figures have criticised Rahman’s presence in the IPL, with KKR co-owner Shah Rukh Khan coming under scrutiny over the signing.
Speaking to ANI, religious leader Devkinandan Thakur strongly criticised the decision, citing violence against minorities in Bangladesh and questioning the moral basis of including a Bangladeshi player in the league.
Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam also urged Shah Rukh Khan to reconsider the decision, warning that public anger could spill over.
“When the entire country is enraged and angry at Bangladesh, anyone in India who has even the slightest connection to Bangladeshis could become a target of that anger,” Nirupam told ANI.
“If there is a Bangladeshi in Shah Rukh Khan’s team, we request that he remove the player. This will be for his own good and also protect India’s interests.”
The remarks have drawn mixed reactions across the political spectrum, with several leaders and commentators emphasising that sports should remain separate from political and diplomatic disputes.
As of now, neither the BCCI nor the IPL governing council have indicated any change in policy regarding the participation of Bangladeshi players in the tournament.
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