Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman is set to miss out financially after being released by Kolkata Knight Riders on the instructions of the BCCI. Despite having no role in the events that led to the decision, the left-arm pacer is unlikely to receive any compensation following the termination of his IPL contract.
KKR had picked Mustafizur Rahman for a hefty Rs 9.20 crore at the IPL auction after a bidding battle involving Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals. However, recent reports of atrocities on Hindus in Bangladesh led to the Indian board stepping in, which ultimately resulted in the franchise being asked to release the player. In response, the Bangladesh Cricket Board has reportedly demanded that their T20 World Cup matches be moved from India to Sri Lanka.
Why compensation looks unlikely for Mustafizur Rahman
The situation has sparked questions around player rights, especially since Mustafizur Rahman neither withdrew from the tournament himself nor was accused of any misconduct. Still, sources indicate that the existing insurance system does not offer much protection in cases like this.
“The salaries of all IPL players are insured. For foreign international players, normally the franchise pays if he is injured after joining the camp or during the course of the tournament.
“Normally up to 50 percent is paid from insurance. It is better for India’s injured centrally contracted cricketers who normally get paid by the BCCI,” an IPL source in the know of things told PTI on condition of anonymity.
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Unfortunately for Mustafizur Rahman, his situation does not fit within these usual insurance rules. Since the contract was ended for reasons unrelated to injury or cricketing performance, KKR is not legally required to make any payment.
Insurance rules leave little room
“In case of an insurance claim, this current situation isn’t covered so KKR are under no official obligation to pay a penny.
“It is unfortunate but Mustafiz doesn’t have much option but to take a legal route and that too IPL comes under Indian law jurisdiction. No overseas cricketer would want to go through this or take the Court of Arbitration of Sport (CAS) route,” the source said.
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Legal action also appears unlikely, given the wider political backdrop surrounding the issue.
“The Indo-Bangladesh political scenario is way more fluid than Indo-Pak and it can change next year, so why would one take the risk of legal recourse?” the source added.
A reminder of gaps in player protection
For now, Mustafizur Rahman seems set to walk away empty-handed, despite being a high-value signing with no disciplinary or professional issues against his name. The episode highlights the limitations of player safeguards in situations driven more by political and administrative factors than by what happens on the cricket field.
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