BCB Denies Rumors of Mustafizur Rahman's IPL Return Amid Tensions

January 09, 2026

Reported by AI

Bangladesh Cricket Board president Aminul Islam Bulbul has dismissed reports of talks with BCCI for Mustafizur Rahman's IPL return in 2026, following his prior release and Bangladesh's failed bid to shift T20 World Cup matches from India.

Dhaka, January 9, 2026: Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Aminul Islam Bulbul has explicitly denied rumors that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) offered a return to the Indian Premier League (IPL) for pacer Mustafizur Rahman ahead of the 2026 season.

The speculation arose after Mustafizur's release from the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) squad last year, amid protests in India over reported issues in Bangladesh, which escalated bilateral cricket tensions. This led Bangladesh to request the International Cricket Council (ICC) to relocate its 2026 T20 World Cup matches from India—a plea firmly rejected by the ICC on January 7, mandating participation in India or facing penalties.

Bulbul's statement confirms no discussions have occurred with the BCCI on Mustafizur's potential IPL comeback, putting the rumors to rest for now. The fast bowler, a key asset for Bangladesh, had previously starred for KKR.

Illustration of IPL 2026 season delayed to March 28 due to state elections, showing stadium scoreboard and election activity.

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March 28, 2026 15:56