KKR release Mustafizur Rahman: Will he receive his IPL salary?

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Following instructions from the Board of Control for Cricket in India, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have released Bangladeshi left-arm fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from their squad for IPL 2026. The big question is whether KKR will pay Rahman the auction price. Let's find out what the rules say.

Once a player is purchased in the IPL auction, the price paid for him is locked into the franchise's purse. Mustafizur Rahman's case is different and sensitive. He was released by KKR not due to injury or personal reasons, but due to the deteriorating political and security situation between India and Bangladesh.

According to IPL rules, if the BCCI orders a player's release for reasons other than cricket, the franchise is refunded the entire amount spent on that player. This situation is called "force majeure," an extraordinary circumstance beyond anyone's control. In such cases, the franchise is not obligated to honor the contract signed with the player. Therefore, Mustafizur Rahman will not receive any payment after being released by KKR.

The auction for IPL 2026 was held on December 16th. Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman was purchased by KKR for ₹9.20 crore (₹9.20 crore). The changing political situation in Bangladesh has led to an increase in violence against Hindus in recent days, resulting in the loss of several lives. Religious and social organizations in India have strongly opposed the incidents of public lynching and violence against Hindus, and have opposed the participation of any Bangladeshi player in the IPL. Large-scale campaigns have been launched to this effect.

In response to growing calls to ban Bangladeshi players from the IPL, the BCCI directed KKR to release Mustafizur Rahman on January 3. KKR released Rahman just hours after the BCCI's directive.