Indian Premier League chairman Arun Dhumal has reacted to the removal of Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the Kolkata Knight Riders squad, describing the development as unfortunate while expressing optimism that similar situations can be avoided in the future.
Mustafizur, who was the only Bangladeshi cricketer selected during the IPL auction in December, had been picked by KKR for ₹9.5 crore. However, he was released from the squad in January following directives issued by the BCCI amid escalating tensions between India and Bangladesh. The decision sparked criticism from fans and led to controversy surrounding the franchise and its management.
Speaking on the matter, Dhumal acknowledged the situation but indicated limited involvement in the specifics. He emphasized that while such developments are regrettable, they often arise from circumstances beyond cricket administration.
The IPL chairman also clarified that the Indian government does not interfere in the daily functioning of cricket operations. According to him, the government’s role is largely supportive, although external events can sometimes influence decisions within the sport.
Dhumal further expressed confidence that better judgment and stability will prevail moving forward, suggesting that such incidents are not expected to become a recurring issue in the league.
Earlier, Kolkata Knight Riders had confirmed that Mustafizur’s release was carried out in accordance with instructions from the cricket board. The move triggered strong reactions in Bangladesh, where reports suggested restrictions on IPL broadcasts and strained cricketing ties between the two nations.
The situation escalated further when Bangladesh’s participation in an international tournament came into question, eventually leading to changes in the tournament lineup after intervention from global cricket authorities.
Despite the controversy, officials remain hopeful that cricketing relations and player participation will stabilize in the future.
