Let’s not get into this’: BCCI Maintains Silence on Bangladesh Players’ IPL Participation

New Delhi: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Thursday refrained from making any official comment on the participation of Bangladeshi cricketers in the Indian Premier League (IPL), stating that it has not received any communication from the government on the issue.

The matter has come under discussion following the signing of Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman at the IPL mini-auction held last month. BCCI sources reiterated that there has been no directive from the government asking the board to bar Bangladeshi players from featuring in the league.

Rahman created history at the auction by becoming the most expensive Bangladeshi player ever, with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) securing him for Rs 9.20 crore. However, his signing triggered debate amid reports of violence against religious minorities in Bangladesh, with some quarters questioning his participation in IPL 2026.

Responding to the controversy, a senior BCCI source told IANS, “Let’s not get into this. It is not in our hands. We have not received any communication from the government instructing us to stop Bangladesh players from playing in the IPL. At this stage, we cannot comment further.”

Mustafizur Rahman has been a regular presence in the IPL since making his debut with Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2016. Over the years, he has represented several franchises, including Mumbai Indians (2018), Rajasthan Royals (2021), Delhi Capitals (2022–23), and Chennai Super Kings (2024). He has claimed 65 wickets in 60 IPL matches at an economy rate of 8.13. Last season, he rejoined Delhi Capitals as an injury replacement for Australia batter Jake Fraser-McGurk after being released by Chennai Super Kings.

Earlier, spiritual guru Devkinandan Thakur had criticised KKR and its co-owner, Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan, over Rahman’s inclusion, claiming that Hindus and followers of Sanatan Dharma were hurt by the signing in light of alleged atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh.

The comments have elicited mixed reactions from political leaders across party lines, with several voices stressing that sports should not be entangled with political or diplomatic considerations.

— With inputs from IANS