The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has clarified that there is no restriction on Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman playing in the Indian Premier League, despite strained diplomatic relations between India and Bangladesh following political developments in August 2025.
Relations between India and Bangladesh have remained tense since the fall of the Awami League government on 5 August 2025, with the strain also spilling into the sporting arena. Against that backdrop, Kolkata Knight Riders signed Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman for INR 9.20 crore at the IPL 2026 auction.
The move sparked controversy in India, with sections of supporters calling for a boycott of Kolkata’s matches because of Mustafizur’s inclusion. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has since stepped in to clarify its position, stating that there is no government restriction on the Bangladeshi fast bowler playing in the IPL.
Speaking recently to InsideSport, a senior BCCI official confirmed that there are no legal or governmental obstacles to Mustafizur’s participation, and that the board will not intervene in the matter. The official also stressed that Bangladesh is not considered an enemy state.
“We understand that this is a sensitive issue,” the official said. “We are keeping an eye on the diplomatic situation and remain in regular contact with the government. However, there has been no directive from the government about banning Bangladeshi cricketers. Bangladesh is not an enemy country, so under the rules there is no barrier to Mustafizur playing in the IPL.”
Since Mustafizur was picked up at the auction, a section of Indian cricket fans have voiced their anger on social media. Some hardline religious figures have also opposed his participation in the league. In Uttar Pradesh, BJP hardliner Sangeet Som went as far as branding Shah Rukh Khan a “traitor” over the issue.
Issuing a threat, Som said, “If players like Mustafizur Rahman come to play in India, they will not be allowed to step outside the airport, this is my vow. People like Shah Rukh Khan, whom I call traitors, should understand this.”
