Kolkata, Jan. 4 -- Olympic medallist and Indian badminton legend Saina Nehwal has expressed support for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) decision to ask three-time IPL champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman ahead of the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season.

Nehwal, who recently flagged off the 7th Edition of the Ekal Run Marathon, was felicitated by the organisers during the event. She also took the opportunity to highlight the importance of promoting sports initiatives across the country.

Mustafizur Rahman was picked by three-time IPL champions for Rs 9.20 crore for the 2026 season. However, his inclusion in the Shah Rukh Khan-owned franchise faced widespread backlash due ...