, Jan. 3 -- The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has instructed the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from their squad for the 2026 Indian Premier League.

This move was another indication of the deteriorating relationship between the two neighbours since the fall of Sheikh Hasina's government, which is criticised by the analysts as authoritarian, in 2024, and which had been a close ally of India.

The Indian board has also granted the franchise permission to sign a replacement player.

BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed the directive while speaking to an Indian news agency in Guwahati.

"Due to recent events, the BCCI has instructed the KKR franchise to release the Banglades...