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Mustafizur Rahman not worried about losing IPL contract; Ex-Bangladesh star makes big claim

Rajgeeta Yadav

Mustafizur Rahman [Source: @Mustafiz90/X.com]Mustafizur Rahman [Source: @Mustafiz90/X.com]

Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman has shown that he is not bothered by the ongoing controversy involving the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). 

Notably, this comes after Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) officially released the Bangladesh fast bowler from their squad following instructions from the BCCI. KKR had bought Mustafizur for a huge amount of Rs 9.50 crore during the IPL 2026 auction held in December, making it a historic deal for a Bangladesh player.

However, the decision to remove him from the IPL squad created a lot of discussion around the world. Following the release, the BCB later decided not to send its team to India for the upcoming T20 World Cup, citing security concerns. 

Mustafizur Rahman focused on performance amid BCCI-BCB issue

Instead of worrying about off-field issues, Mustafizur remained focused on his cricket. He is currently playing for Rangpur Riders in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), where he has continued to deliver strong performances. In the tournament so far, he has taken 9 wickets in 5 innings.

Notably, soon after the KKR release, on January 4, he played a key role in Rangpur Riders’ thrilling five-run win over Dhaka Capitals. Mustafizur bowled an excellent 18th over, giving away only two runs and also taking the wicket of Shamim Hossain. He then successfully defended 10 runs in the final over.

Team coach and teammates speak on Mustafizur Rahman’s calm attitude

Despite all this, people close to Mustafizur say he remains completely calm. Rangpur Riders’ assistant coach Mohammad Ashraful made this very clear after a match.

"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 told reporters.

"Right now he is focused on playing for Rangpur Riders and after this whatever assignment comes next, he will focus on that. He is a person of a different level," he added.

National teammate Mohammad Saifuddin also shared a similar experience. After playing against Rangpur Riders, he met Mustafizur during dinner.

"We thought he would be disappointed but that is hardly the case," Saifuddin said. "He was hearing music and seemed to be relaxed like the way he always does."

Mustafizur Rahman’s mental strength impresses Bangladesh Coach

Senior assistant coach Mohammad Salahuddin was not surprised by Mustafizur’s reaction.

"I know him for quite some time and it was no surprise that he took everything on his stride with a smile on his face considering that is his biggest strength," Salahuddin told Cricbuzz.

"You will not see him becoming headlines with his words or emotions," he added.

Earlier in the tournament, Mustafizur also made history by becoming the fastest fast bowler to take 400 T20 wickets.

BCB seeks relocation of T20 World Cup

Meanwhile, tensions remain high as Bangladesh’s Information and Broadcasting Ministry has banned the telecast of IPL matches in the country. The BCB has also reportedly asked the ICC to consider moving Bangladesh’s matches outside India. However, even as the BCCI-BCB saga continues, Mustafizur Rahman remains unfazed and focused only on his game.