The BCCI has said that it has not received any communication from the Indian government objecting to the participation of Bangladesh players in IPL 2026, including Mustafizur Rahman.
The statement comes after criticism over Mustafizur’s inclusion in the IPL auction amid reports of violence against religious minorities in Bangladesh, sparking anger on social media and among some groups in India.
Seven Bangladesh players had registered for the IPL 2026 auction but only Mustafizur was picked. He was bought by Kolkata Knight Riders for Rs 9.20 crore, making him the only Bengali name in the league this season.
A senior BCCI official said government clearance is mandatory for all foreign players irrespective of the country. He added that the board will follow any directive it receives and cannot act on its own.
“For all foreign players, Bangladeshi or not, government permission is mandatory. BCCI has to adhere to what the government says. We will wait for guidelines,” the official told NDTV.
Another BCCI source echoed the same view and said the board has not received any instruction to stop Bangladesh players from participating. The source emphasized that franchises only choose players from the approved auction pool.
“Let’s not go into this. It is not in our hands. We have not received any communication from the government directing us to prevent players from Bangladesh,” the source told IANS.
Mustafizur is no stranger to the IPL. Since making his debut with Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2016, the left-arm pacer has played for multiple franchises and taken 65 wickets in 60 matches, with an economy rate of 8.13.
However, the signing provoked sharp reactions from some quarters. Spiritual leader Devkinandan Thakur criticized KKR and team owner Shah Rukh Khan, claiming that the decision hurt Hindus and followers of Sanatan Dharma.
The political reactions are divided. While some voices demanded action, many leaders argued that sports should not be mixed with political or diplomatic issues, and that players should not be targeted for matters beyond their control.
The controversy comes at a time when public anger is high in India over alleged atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh. Some groups linked this sentiment to Mustafizur’s IPL participation, putting pressure on the league and the board.
For now, the BCCI has made its position clear. Unless the government issues a formal directive, Bangladesh players will remain eligible to play in IPL 2026, and the board says it will strictly follow official instructions and not public pressure.
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