‘Unfortunate’ Mustafizur exit: IPL Chair Arun Dhumal expects sense to prevail

Indian Premier League (IPL) chairman Arun Dhumal labelled the removal of Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) as “unfortunate”, insisting that “good sense will prevail”.

“I would only say it was unfortunate. Beyond that, I do not have much knowledge,” Dhumal told the Financial Times on Thursday.

Mustafizur was released in early January following a directive from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), amid rising political tensions between India and Bangladesh.

The left-armer was the only Bangladeshi picked at the IPL auction last December and was snapped up by the former champions for INR9.5 crore.

“Sometimes events happen around us, and decisions follow,” the Indian media reported. “I am sure good sense will prevail.”

KKR earlier confirmed the release followed BCCI instructions. His sudden exit sparked backlash against KKR and co-owner Shah Rukh Khan. Dhumal stressed that the Indian government plays no role in cricket’s day-to-day running, offering only broad support to the sport.

The decision sparked strong reactions in Bangladesh, leading to an IPL broadcast ban and halted travel plans for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. The Bangladesh Cricket Board approached the International Cricket Council, but Bangladesh was ultimately replaced by Scotland in the World Cup lineup.