In a statement, Jan. 3 -- The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Saturday confirmed that it has released Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman from its squad ahead of the IPL 2026 season, following instructions from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

"Kolkata Knight Riders confirms that BCCI/IPL, as the regulator of the IPL, has instructed it to release Mustafizur Rahman from the squad ahead of the upcoming IPL season."

The franchise added that the release was carried out after due process and consultations.

"The release has been carried out following due process and consultations, upon the instruction of the Board of Control for Cricket in India. BCCI will allow Kolkata Knight Riders a replacement player in line with IPL regu...