BCCI: No Directive to Bar Bangladeshi Players from IPL

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has stated that it has received no instructions from the government to bar Bangladeshi players from the Indian Premier League (IPL), amid growing controversy over Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman's signing by the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for the 2026 season.

Rahman, a left-arm fast bowler, was acquired by KKR for 9.20 crore rupees during last month's IPL mini-auction, marking him as the most expensive Bangladeshi player in league history. The franchise, which entered the auction with the largest purse, also secured Australia's Cameron Green and Sri Lanka's Matheesha Pathirana, but Rahman's inclusion has drawn particular scrutiny. The decision has fueled public debate in India, linked to reports of violence against religious minorities, including Hindus, in Bangladesh following recent political unrest.

KKR has faced threats and calls for a boycott from some groups, with demands to exclude Rahman similar to the absence of Pakistani players from the IPL since 2009. Political figures and members of the public have expressed concerns that the signing overlooks national sentiments amid the reported incidents. Spiritual leader...