What Did Rinku’s Coach Say About BCCI's Decision on Mustafizur Rahman?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- BCCI's decision to release Mustafizur Rahman must be respected.
- Politics and sports should remain separate entities.
- Mustafizur was acquired for Rs 9.2 crore in the IPL auction.
- Rinku Singh's coach emphasizes player merit over religion.
- Rahman has taken 65 wickets in 60 IPL matches since 2016.
New Delhi, Jan 3 (NationPress) Masood Uz Zafar Amini, the coach of Indian cricketer Rinku Singh, remarked that the recent ruling by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to release Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season is a decision that must be respected.
This follows the news that Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) has let go of Rahman from their roster for the upcoming IPL season due to directives from the BCCI, amidst mounting criticism from various spiritual and political figures regarding KKR's decision to acquire Rahman during the auction held in Abu Dhabi. This criticism arose in light of reports concerning attacks on Hindu minorities in Bangladesh.
Amini stated, “If the BCCI has authorized a player change, it is feasible. However, it’s essential to remember that Mustafizur Rahman is primarily a cricketer; his religion, whether Hindu or Muslim, comes secondary. Other IPL teams had also shown interest in Mustafizur, so KKR’s acquisition was not surprising. He is a player first, and religion should not overshadow that. Therefore, we must accept the BCCI's decision.”
Amini further emphasized, “Politics should not intertwine with sports. Playing and political issues are separate matters. Individuals of all faiths coexist, and incidents like these occur regularly. Nonetheless, this remains a national decision, and since the BCCI has made a ruling, we have to comply with it,” he shared with IANS.
Rahman was picked by KKR during the December 2025 IPL auction for a staggering Rs 9.2 crore. He has previously played for teams such as Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Mumbai Indians (MI), Rajasthan Royals (RR), Delhi Capitals (DC), and Chennai Super Kings (CSK), amassing a total of 65 wickets across 60 matches since the competition's inception in 2016.