KKR Releases Mustafizur Rahman on BCCI Orders; Coach Amini: 'Cricketer First'

• Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) released Mustafizur Rahman from their 2026 IPL squad following instructions from the BCCI.
• The decision came amidst criticism of KKR and Shah Rukh Khan for selecting Rahman, linked to reports of attacks on Hindu minorities in Bangladesh.
• Rinku Singh's coach, Masood Uz Zafar Amini, stated that Rahman is a 'cricketer first; Hindu or Muslim comes later' and politics shouldn't involve players.
• Amini emphasized that BCCI's national decision must be accepted, despite his view on separating sports from religion/politics.
• Rahman, bought for Rs 9.2 crore, has a strong IPL record with 65 wickets in 60 matches for various teams.

Why It Matters: BCCI's directive led to KKR releasing Mustafizur Rahman, sparking debate on sports and politics.