Speaking to The Daily Star’s sports reporter Ekush Tapader, the former Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) director warned that politics and unclear processes are widening the gap between Bangladesh and India, urging cricket authorities to act decisively.

The development overshadowed a scheduled rest day in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) T20.

Law and Sports Adviser of the interim government, Dr Asif Nazrul, has strongly protested the directive to remove Bangladeshi cricketer Mustafizur Rahman from IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on political grounds.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has expressed deep disappointment over Mustafizur Rahman’s removal from the Indian Premier League but believes there is no immediate option to seek a change of venue for the upcoming T20 World Cup.

How much will Bangladesh ace pacer Mustafizur Rahman earn after being removed from the Indian Premier League?

Ashraful said the issue should never have reached this point and reiterated that cricket should remain confined to the field.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has told Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Bangladesh’s Mustafizur Rahman from their squad for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL), report several Indian media.

West Indies all-rounder Jason Holder capped a remarkable 2025 by becoming the most prolific wicket-taker in T20 cricket in a single calendar year, breaking a long-standing record held by Afghanistan’s spin king Rashid Khan.

Alongside Mustafizur, Kolkata also acquired Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana (INR 18 crore) and Australian all-rounder Cameron Green (INR 25.20 crore) from the mini-auction.

Australia all-rounder Cameron Green became the most expensive overseas buy in Indian Premier League history, with a winning bid of 252 million rupees at auction on Tuesday.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 is expected to take place from March 26 to May 31, according to a report by ESPNCricinfo, although the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has yet to officially confirm the schedule or announce the dates

The Indian Premier League (IPL) auction will be held on December 16 in Abu Dhabi, with the BCCI finalising a list of 350 players -- both domestic and overseas. Seven Bangladeshi players have made the shortlist, with only left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman having prior experience in the tournament. All seven Bangladeshis are bowlers.

The auction for the 2026 edition is scheduled for December 16 in Abu Dhabi.

According to ESPNcricinfo, the IPL released a long list of 1,355 players on Monday after the registration deadline closed on November 30.

"It's best to retire when fans ask: 'Why? You still have some more in you'," Russell said.

Former South Africa captain Faf du Plessis has opted to play in the Pakistan Super League next year, ruling himself out of the 2026 Indian Premier League auctions scheduled to take place next month on December 16 in Abu Dhabi.

Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Chennai Super Kings have confirmed that former India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni will be available in the 2026 edition of the competition expected to begin in March.

The owner of India Premier League cricket champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru is considering selling the team, which could be worth "as much as $2 billion".

Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman is set to feature in the upcoming season of the International League T20, having signed with reigning champions Dubai Capitals.

Gill is set for his first assignment since succeeding Rohit Sharma as Test skipper as he leads a new-look side in the first of five matches against Ben Stokes' England at Headingley this week.