Star Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman, after being excluded from the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, is now set to feature in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). He has registered himself for the PSL, sparking new hope among his fans. This development comes amidst growing friction in cricket relations between. India and Bangladesh, impacting sports diplomacy between the two nations.
The IPL Exit Saga
Mustafizur Rahman was acquired by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for a hefty sum of 9. 2 crore rupees in the IPL 2026 auction. Major teams like Delhi Capitals and Chennai Super Kings also bid aggressively for him, but KKR ultimately secured his services. This could have been a significant turning point in his career, but due to escalating tensions in India-Bangladesh relations, he was shown the door from the IPL. This decision has caused considerable stir in the cricketing world.
Opposition to KKR and Shah Rukh Khan
Immediately after Mustafizur Rahman was bought in the IPL auction, opposition began against Kolkata Knight Riders and its owner, Shah Rukh Khan. The specific reasons for this opposition aren't explicitly stated, but it's widely believed to be linked to the prevailing political and diplomatic tensions between India and Bangladesh. Following the protests, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) made a major decision to exclude Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL, a move that came as a blow to both KKR and the player.
BCCI's Unilateral Decision
According to a report by The Indian Express, the BCCI made the decision to. Remove Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL without any consultation with the IPL Governing Council. This decision was taken by some top officials of the BCCI, and even IPL officials reportedly learned about it through the media, while such unilateral decisions have raised questions about the BCCI's functioning and highlighted a lack of transparency.
Escalating India-Bangladesh Tensions
Mustafizur Rahman's exclusion from the IPL has led to significant friction between the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and the BCCI. The BCB has strongly objected to this decision and, as a result, has taken a major step. The Bangladesh Cricket Board has refused to send its team to India for the T20 World Cup. This represents a serious diplomatic and sporting crisis that could directly impact the upcoming international tournament.
Demand for T20 World Cup Schedule Change
The BCB has not only refused to send its team but has also demanded that the International Cricket Council (ICC) change the schedule of the T20 World Cup. This demand is another indication of the growing tension between India and Bangladesh. If the ICC considers this request, it could lead to significant changes in the global cricket calendar and create difficulties for other nations. It's crucial to resolve this situation as soon as possible to prevent further impact on both sports and diplomacy.
Mustafizur's Future in PSL
Following his IPL exit, Mustafizur Rahman has registered himself for the Pakistan Super League (PSL). This edition of the PSL will feature an auction, and it will be interesting to see which team acquires this talented fast bowler. The PSL will provide him with a new platform to showcase his bowling prowess and further his international career, while this is an opportunity for him to move past the disappointment of the IPL and make a fresh start.
This entire episode will have a profound impact on cricket diplomacy between India and Bangladesh, while sports often serve as a medium to strengthen relations between countries, but such disputes can create rifts. The BCCI and BCB will need to engage in dialogue to resolve this issue to avoid similar conflicts in the future and ensure that cricket relations between the two nations remain cordial.
