Kolkata, Jan. 4 -- Three-time Indian Premier League (IPL) champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Saturday released Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from their 2026 squad following instructions from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the franchise said, amid rising tensions between New Delhi and Dhaka. KKR had bought the 30-year-old left-arm pacer for Rs.9.2 crore after an intense bidding war with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Delhi Capitals (DC) at last month's players' auction, making him the only Bangladeshi player sold. "Due to recent developments, the BCCI has instructed Kolkata Knight Riders to release Mustafizur Rahman of Bangladesh from their squad," BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said, adding that the team can name a replacement. Hours later, KKR confirmed that Mustafizur, who has taken 60 wickets in 65 IPL games and played for Sunrisers Hyderabad, Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals, CSK and DC across eight editions, had been released. "The release has been carried out following due process and consultations," the franchise said....