New Delhi, Jan 3 (NationPress) The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have made the controversial choice to release Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 roster, following directives from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). This decision has prompted varied responses from political leaders across different parties. Some leaders applauded the move, citing national sentiment and security issues, while others voiced their discontent, arguing that politics should remain separate from sports.

On Saturday, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed the board's directive to KKR, allowing them to name a replacement for Rahman. “The BCCI has ordered KKR to release Mustafizur Rahman from their squad and has permitted the franchise to select a replacement,” Saikia told IANS.

This decision reportedly stemmed from concerns regarding violence against Hindus in Bangladesh in December, alongside criticism aimed at Rahman’s involvement in the IPL. The announcement has ignited a broader political discourse surrounding nationalism, religion, and the intersection of sports and politics.

In response, Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge questioned the reasoning behind this decision and the timing of its enforcement. “The BCCI and franchise owners established this rule. Now, the BCCI is silent, leaving the matter unresolved. Those who created the rule are not branded as traitors, yet those who follow it are. Why wasn’t this rule implemented earlier?” he stated.

Trinamool Congress MP Sougata Roy firmly opposed the action, arguing that sports should remain untouched by political interference.

“I completely disagree with this. Politics should not intrude into sports. If KKR is recruiting players from globally, including Bangladesh, what is the issue?” he remarked.

Conversely, Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Anand Dubey expressed support for the BCCI's decision, deeming it a necessary step. “I appreciate BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia. It’s better late than never. We have consistently demanded that no Bangladeshi or Pakistani cricketers should compete in our country. This aligns with the sentiments of numerous Hindus,” he said.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi, however, criticized the communal undertones surrounding the matter.

“The opposition framed in the name of Sanatan Dharma is illogical. The BCCI allowed that cricketer to participate, and the auction occurred because of that. Shah Rukh Khan and his team acted justly. This is yet another attempt to deepen Hindu-Muslim divides,” she added.

Uttar Pradesh Minister Sanjay Nishad emphasized that public sentiment should be considered in this decision.

“Given public sentiment, I believe the BCCI made the right choice. It was necessary,” he noted.

Congress leader Rakesh Sinha criticized the BCCI’s inconsistency in decision-making.

“Is the IPL conducted without the BCCI’s consent? The IPL only occurs with the board's approval. When players were signed, why didn’t the BCCI raise any concerns? Why did they suddenly feel uneasy due to the name ‘Khan’? The BCCI must answer why they allowed the India-Pakistan match under similar circumstances,” he asserted.

JD(U) spokesperson Neeraj Kumar cautioned against intertwining sports with politics and religion.

“A nation founded solely on religion inevitably stifles democracy. Our tradition does not politicize sports. Yet, given the current conditions in Bangladesh, international intervention is necessary,” he stated.

Union Minister of State Satish Chandra Dubey believed sports should be treated independently, acknowledging concerns about the situation in Bangladesh.

“Sports should have their own rules and be assessed independently. However, there’s undeniable bias against Hindus in Bangladesh. The government must recognize this. Hindus are a minority and deserve safeguarding. The local administration's actions reflect discrimination, which is detrimental to both the country and Hindus,” he added.

Mustafizur Rahman gained significant attention when KKR secured him for a record Rs 9.20 crore during the December mini-auction, establishing him as the highest-paid Bangladeshi cricketer in IPL history. He was acquired from a base price of Rs 2 crore after intense bidding involving the Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals.

The 30-year-old left-arm pacer has claimed 65 wickets in 60 IPL matches with an economy rate of 8.13 since debuting with the Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2016. Over the years, he has played for multiple franchises, including the Mumbai Indians in 2018, Rajasthan Royals in 2021, Delhi Capitals during the 2022–23 seasons, and Chennai Super Kings in 2024. He also represented the Delhi Capitals in IPL 2025 as an injury replacement for Jake Fraser-McGurk.