Top 3 possible Mustafizur Rahman replacements for KKR

The BCCI has told Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to remove their Bangladeshi player, Mustafizur Rahman, from the team for the next IPL. There was massive outrage over the fast bowler's selection amid the growing civil unrest in Bangladesh, even as the franchise had also come under the scanner for the same reason. KKR had signed Mustafizur for Rs 9.2 crore in the auction. However, they will now have to find a replacement from the list of players that went unsold in the auction. 

 

Fazalhaq Farooqi

Fazalhaq Farooqi is a good left-arm fast bowler that KKR could consider. He is in Afghanistan’s squad for the 2026 T20 World Cup and has played in the IPL before for Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad. He has picked up six wickets in 12 matches but has done well in T20Is, accounting for 63 wickets in 51 T20Is so far. He went unsold in the auction but could be given a chance as he has played 149 T20 matches so far and is experienced enough, having picked 186 wickets.

Richard Gleeson

Richard Gleeson is playing really well in the current SA20 tournament, taking 8 wickets in 3 matches. He is also excellent in the death overs and recently helped Joburg Super Kings win a match. He has played three matches in IPL so far for the Mumbai Indians and the Chennai Super Kings. Gleeson had set his base price of Rs 75 lakh and was among shortlisted but his name never came up at the auction.

Spencer Johnson

Spencer Johnson is injured and not playing in the Big Bash League (BBL) right now. But he could still be a good choice, as he played for KKR in IPL 2025. It was a forgettable stint for him as he picked only one wicket in four matches but overall, Johnson has picked up 85 wickets in 71 matches and could very well be given another opportunity. Johnson didn't have any takers at the auction but can KKR give him another chance, depending on his fitness.