Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Jan 2: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Thursday declined to comment on the participation of Bangladeshi players in the Indian Premier League (IPL), with sources saying no communication has been received from the government on the matter.

The issue arose after Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman was signed by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for Rs 9.20 crore at last month’s IPL mini-auction, making him the most expensive Bangladeshi player in IPL history. Rahman’s inclusion sparked debate following reports of violent incidents against religious minorities in Bangladesh, prompting some to question his participation in IPL 2026.

A BCCI source told, “Let’s not get into this. It is not in our hands. We have not received any communication from the government directing us to prevent Bangladesh players from participating in the IPL… Can’t comment much as of now.”

Rahman, who has taken 65 wickets in 60 IPL matches at an economy rate of 8.13, made his IPL debut with Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2016. He later represented Mumbai Indians (2018), Rajasthan Royals (2021), Delhi Capitals (2022-23), and Chennai Super Kings (2024), before returning to Delhi Capitals last season as an injury replacement for Australia batter Jake Fraser-McGurk.

Earlier, spiritual guru Devkinandan Thakur criticised KKR and its co-owner, Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan, over Rahman’s signing, claiming that Hindus and followers of Sanatan Dharma were hurt by including a Bangladeshi player amid reports of atrocities against Hindus in the neighbouring country.

The remarks have drawn mixed reactions from political leaders across parties, with many emphasising that sports should remain separate from political and diplomatic issues.