Mustafizur Rahman and KKR - (Source: AFP)
With each passing day, the relations between India and Bangladesh are turning sour because of the recent anti-India narrative in the neighbouring country. Further, the recent violence and unrest in Bangladesh have led to an uproar in India.
Amid the recent tensions, the Kolkata Knight Riders have faced the heat for their recent action in the IPL 2026 mini-auction. Notably, the Knight Riders bought Mustafizur Rahman for 9.2 crores during the auction, making him the only Bangladeshi cricketer to play in IPL 2026.
However, the fans are angry because of the Bangladesh player’s involvement in IPL and want the franchise to let go of the left-arm seamer. Several organisations too have raised their concern, and the pressure is at an all-time high on the Knight Riders.
Meanwhile, this article will shed light on three star seamers that KKR should shortlist in case the IPL go onto imposes a ban on Bangladesh players, and KKR are forced to bring in a replacement.
1. Alzarri Joseph
The 29-year-old West Indies powerhouse is a great replacement, given that franchises have limited options to choose from. Joseph has been doing well for West Indies across formats. Given his recent performances, Joseph picked up four wickets in six innings in CPL 2025.
Further, he also featured in PSL 2025, where he took 12 wickets in eight innings. Since Joseph has done well in condition in Pakistan, which often produces flat tracks, then he is most likely to do well in IPL as well.
For the unversed, Joseph has played in IPL, which was back in 2024, where he featured for RCB but picked up just one wicket in 3 innings.
2. Jhye Richardson
Jhye Richardson has been dealing with injuries for a long time and recently returned to the Australian side after a long absence. The left-arm seamer is a like-for-like replacement for Rahman, and he recently proved his mettle by picking up two wickets in the Boxing Day Test.
Richardson too, had played IPL 2024, where he represented, Delhi Capitals. However, he got to feature in just a solitary game and went wicketless. Nonetheless, Richardson can be a great option for KKR in case a situation arises of arranging a last-minute replacement.
3. Spencer Johnson
KKR can also revert to their former seamer, Spencer Johnson, whom they released ahead of IPL 2026 because of injury concerns. The 30-year-old left-arm seamer played four matches for KKR in IPL 2025 but picked up a solitary wicket.
However, Johnson majorly struggled with fitness issues and is currently injured as well, ruling him out of BBL. Although, Johnson will recover in time ahead of IPL 2026 and his inclusion can boost KKR’s chances of repeating a IPL 2024 heroics.
Note - At present, the IPL has not made any remark regarding the ongoing tensions between India and Bangladesh.
