BCB President Responds to Rumours: No IPL Return Offer for Mustafizur Rahman

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Aminul Islam Bulbul has denied reports that the BCCI offered Mustafizur Rahman a return to the IPL 2026 amid ongoing tensions between the two boards.

The speculation emerged after the Kolkata Knight Riders released the Bangladesh pacer from their squad, following protests in India over the targeted killings of Hindus in Bangladesh. The move sparked criticism from the BCB and strained relations between the two cricket boards.

Bangladeshi media outlets had suggested that the BCCI might have proposed Mustafizur’s IPL return to ease tensions. However, Bulbul clarified that no such discussions had taken place. “I have not had any written or verbal discussions with the BCCI regarding Mustafizur’s return to the IPL. I have not spoken to anyone from my board about this. There is no truth to this news,” he told Ajker newspaper.

Following Mustafizur’s release, the BCB informed the ICC that it would not play its T20 World Cup 2026 matches in India, citing security concerns, and requested that the matches be moved to co-host Sri Lanka. Bangladesh is scheduled to play four matches in the tournament — three in Kolkata and one in Mumbai — beginning February 7. As of now, the ICC has not confirmed any venue changes.

The BCB said the ICC has shown a willingness to review the security concerns, and the board submitted a second communication on January 8 detailing specific safety issues related to traveling to India, while formally reiterating its request for a venue change to Sri Lanka.