There was disappointment within Bangladesh's cricket fraternity on Saturday after Kolkata Knight Riders were asked to release Mustafizur Rahman from their squad for the upcoming IPL 2026, following instructions from the BCCI.

Bangladesh's leading cricketers and coaches are currently in Sylhet for the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League and Mustafizur became a major topic of discussion after news broke that KKR had been asked to release the fast bowler amid growing political tension between the two neighbouring countries.

The decision has also put India's tour of Bangladesh in doubt, while questions have been raised over whether it would be wise for Bangladesh to travel to India for the T20 World Cup, starting next month.

"This is truly a sad incident. I don't know the exact reasons, though political factors were mentioned. It seems to be related to some forces or religion-based politics. But it's very sad, especially for Mustafiz, and for all of us, because we were looking forward to KKR, where Mustafizur would play, just like it was with Shakib," former BCB director Khaled Mahmud, who is currently the head coach of BPL side Noakhali Express, told reporters on Saturday.

"When Shakib played, we all became KKR supporters; with Mustafizur playing, we were all KKR supporters too. It's truly disappointing for us, and we are very embarrassed about it.

"I think our government should be informed regarding the Bangladesh team going to play in the World Cup and understand what responsibility and assurance they can provide for protection. If such a chaotic incident occurs in that case, our country will be at a loss, right? So both the BCB and the government should write a letter to the ICC. And I believe if all our matches could be held at a different venue outside India, that could be a solution," he added.