Mustafizur Rahman IPL Release: Ashraful Reveals ‘Chill’ Truth Amid BCB-ICC Row

Mustafizur row: 'He is completely chill' - Ex Bangladesh captain drops big revelation

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The IPL Storm: What Happened to Mustafizur?

The cricketing world was left stunned when news broke that Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) had released their star pacer, Mustafizur Rahman, from their IPL 2026 squad before a single ball was bowled. The reason? A direct instruction from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). This unprecedented move, widely seen as a consequence of the deteriorating diplomatic relations between India and Bangladesh, saw the only Bangladeshi player in the league ousted without a public explanation .

The decision sent shockwaves through the subcontinent. In a strong retaliatory measure, the Bangladesh government banned the broadcast of the IPL 2026 within the country, framing it as a matter of “public interest” . This wasn’t just a sporting decision; it was a geopolitical chess move with massive implications for one of the world’s most popular T20 leagues and its international talent pool .

Ashraful’s Big Revelation: “He is Completely Chill”

Amid the swirling controversy and intense media scrutiny, a surprising calm has emerged from the eye of the storm. Speaking from his role as assistant coach for Rangpur Riders in the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), former Bangladesh captain Mohammad Ashraful has made a significant revelation about Mustafizur’s state of mind.

“He (Mustafizur) is completely chill. He is not worried at all about all the off-field talk – whether it’s BCB, India, BPL or ICC,” Ashraful stated . This insight paints a picture of a player with remarkable mental fortitude. For a cricketer who had just secured a major deal, the Mustafizur Rahman IPL release could have been a devastating career blow. Instead, Ashraful describes him as “a person of a different level,” entirely focused on his current commitments .

BPL Brilliance: Fizz Shines for Rangpur Riders

True to Ashraful’s words, Mustafizur has channeled all his energy into the BPL. He hasn’t let the IPL setback distract him a single bit. In a recent, thrilling match against the Dhaka Capitals, Mustafizur delivered a masterclass in death bowling, taking 3 wickets for just 24 runs in his 4 overs to secure a narrow 5-run victory for the Rangpur Riders .

His performance was a stark reminder of his world-class talent. While his future in the IPL hangs in the balance due to forces beyond his control, on the field in Sylhet, he’s proving exactly why KKR wanted him in the first place. He’s not just playing; he’s dominating, silencing critics with his cutter and slower balls. This is the ultimate professional response to adversity.

The 2026 T20 World Cup Crisis: BCB vs. ICC

The fallout from the Mustafizur Rahman IPL release has escalated into a full-blown international crisis. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), citing “security concerns” for its players and officials, has formally requested the International Cricket Council (ICC) to relocate all of Bangladesh’s scheduled matches for the 2026 T20 World Cup away from India .

However, the ICC has firmly rejected this request. According to multiple reports, the governing body found “no security threat” that would justify such a move and has instructed the BCB that Bangladesh’s national team is expected to travel to India to fulfill its World Cup fixtures . This decision leaves the BCB in a precarious position, facing a dilemma between its players’ perceived safety and its obligations to the global cricketing community. The standoff is a direct consequence of the political chill that led to Mustafizur’s IPL exit.

What Does the Future Hold for Mustafizur and Bangladesh Cricket?

The situation is a tragic reminder of how politics can seep into the beautiful game of cricket. Mustafizur Rahman, a player beloved for his unique bowling action and humble demeanor, has become an unwitting pawn in a much larger geopolitical game. His personal career trajectory, which was set to reach new heights with a successful IPL 2026 campaign, has been derailed.

Yet, his response, as revealed by Ashraful, is one of quiet resilience. By excelling in the BPL, he’s not only maintaining his form but also sending a powerful message: his worth as a cricketer is defined by his skill on the field, not by the political headlines off it. For the future of the sport in the region, a resolution to the ongoing political tensions is the only path forward to ensure that talent like Mustafizur’s isn’t lost to the game on the world’s biggest stages. The ICC’s firm stance on the T20 World Cup is a clear signal that sport must, ultimately, find a way to rise above national disputes .

Summary

The Mustafizur Rahman IPL release has triggered a multi-faceted crisis. While the BCB and ICC are locked in a battle over the 2026 T20 World Cup, Mustafizur himself remains unfazed, as confirmed by Mohammad Ashraful. He is instead channeling his focus into delivering match-winning performances for the Rangpur Riders in the BPL, proving his class and professionalism in the face of significant adversity.

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