Why Mustafizur Rahman will miss eight days of IPL 2026
What's the story
Bangladesh's star pacer Mustafizur Rahman will participate in the Indian Premier League (IPL) season, except for an eight-day period when he will return to play in an ODI series against New Zealand. The left-arm seamer was acquired by Kolkata Knight Riders at the IPL 2026 mini-auction in Abu Dhabi. It was earlier reported that Rahman will be unavailable for some matches.
Series impact
Absence due to New Zealand series
According to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) cricket operation chairman, Nazmul Abedin, Rahman will participate in the ODI series against New Zealand next year. The series is crucial for Bangladesh, currently placed 10th in the ICC ODI Rankings. They now aim to ensure a direct qualification for the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup. Notably, Bangladesh won only three of their nine ODIs in 2025.
Strategic decision
Return crucial for Bangladesh
Abedin emphasized the importance of Rahman's return, saying it would strengthen their team. He said, "With our existing strength, having him makes the team stronger." The BCB had given the NOC (No Objection Certificate) to Rahman for the entire IPL season. "He will only return to play for the national team during the New Zealand ODI series, which consists of three matches," said Nazmul.
IPL 2026
Contract with KKR
Rahman bagged a ₹9.2 crore contract with KKR at the IPL 2026 mini-auction. The 30-year-old joined Delhi Capitals (DC) as a replacement for Jake Fraser-McGurk last season. However, he wasn't eligible for retention by DC due to rules governing replacement players. Rahman has taken 65 IPL wickets at 28.44. He is the only non-Indian to have won the Emerging Player of the Season award (2016).