Debunking the False Quote: Mustafizur Rahman’s Alleged IPL Rejection Statement

A fabricated quote attributed to Bangladeshi cricket star Mustafizur Rahman has been circulating widely across social media platforms, falsely claiming the pace bowler has sworn off playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL) regardless of financial incentives.

The viral graphic alleges Rahman stated, “The way the BCCI has humiliated me, I will never play in the IPL in my life. Even if they offer me 150 crore, I will reject it. I have never seen such a cheap and low-class league. Our board made the absolutely right decision by pulling out after the World Cup. We shouldn’t even step foot there.”

After thorough investigation, no credible evidence exists to support that Rahman ever made such inflammatory statements following his release from Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) ahead of the 2026 IPL tournament.

The fabricated quote appears designed to inflame cricket fans and exploit existing tensions between the cricket boards of Bangladesh and India. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has made no official announcement about “pulling out” of any arrangements with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), as the false quote suggests.

Rahman, known affectionately as “The Fizz” for his deceptive bowling variations, has been a valuable asset in previous IPL seasons. The left-arm pacer has represented multiple franchises including Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals, Rajasthan Royals, and most recently Kolkata Knight Riders. His release from KKR is simply part of the standard team restructuring process that occurs before each auction cycle, not an indication of any “humiliation” as the fabricated quote claims.

Cricket analysts note that player releases are routine business decisions made by franchises based on team composition needs, salary cap considerations, and future strategy planning. Several high-profile Indian players have also been released by their franchises ahead of the 2026 auction.

The timing of this misinformation coincides with the IPL retention announcements, a period when cricket news dominates headlines across South Asia. False narratives about cricket stars often gain traction during these high-interest periods when fans are actively seeking information about their favorite players.

Sports journalists who regularly cover Bangladesh cricket confirm that Rahman has maintained professional relationships with his former IPL teammates and has expressed gratitude for his experiences in the league in past interviews. The 29-year-old bowler has previously spoken about how the IPL helped develop his skills by exposing him to pressure situations and international batting talent.

The fabricated statement also references an alleged Bangladesh team withdrawal “after the World Cup,” which has no basis in reality. Bangladesh continues to participate in ICC events and bilateral series with India according to scheduled cricket calendars.

Digital media experts point out that such fabricated sports quotes are increasingly common on social platforms where engagement-driven algorithms can amplify sensational content regardless of accuracy. The false statement has spread across multiple platforms despite lacking any credible source attribution.

Cricket boards from both nations have worked to strengthen bilateral relations in recent years, with Bangladesh players regularly participating in the IPL auction process. Rahman remains eligible for the upcoming IPL auction should he choose to enter his name.

Cricket fans are advised to verify information through official channels including player statements made through verified social media accounts, team websites, or credible sports journalism outlets before sharing potentially inflammatory content that could damage a player’s reputation or inflame nationalist tensions.