BCCI Directs KKR to Release Mustafizur Rahman Amidst India-Bangladesh Tensions

• BCCI directed IPL franchise KKR to release Mustafizur Rahman from their 2026 squad.
• The directive is linked to "recent events" and anti-Bangladesh sentiment due to violence against minorities.
• Former India opener Aakash Chopra praised BCCI, calling Rahman "collateral damage" and a display of "soft power."
• This marks the first time a player is released post-auction without injury, mirroring the shadow ban on Pakistani players.
• India-Bangladesh cricket ties are at a new low, with a planned tour on hold pending government clearance.

Why It Matters: BCCI's unprecedented move to release Mustafizur Rahman highlights escalating India-Bangladesh political tensions.