The Cutters We’ll Miss: Why a World Cup Without Mustafizur Rahman is a Tragedy.
The magic is officially gone. With Bangladesh effectively out of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, the world isn’t just losing a team—we are losing an artist.
Growing up in a cricket-crazy nation, I’ve always been fascinated by the game. As a 90s kid, I was raised on the high-voltage drama of India vs. Pakistan matches. But cricket in the subcontinent isn’t just about rivalry; it’s about the shared language of “Cutters” and “Yorkers” that binds us together.
And that is why today’s news hurts.
For the first time in a decade, the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 might proceed without the man who reinvented the slower ball: Mustafizur Rahman. The “Fizz” won’t be there to bamboozle batsmen with his wrist-snap magic, and honestly? The tournament feels empty already.
Mustafizur and His Magic
Mustafizur, affectionately known as “The Fizz,” is a bowler who speaks a different language on the pitch. He is famous for his cutters and deceptive slower balls, which have the potential to dismiss even the greatest batters in the world.
Ever since I took an interest in the world of cricket, I have found him to be a fascinating character. He is a shy, quiet guy who avoids the camera, yet his talent is loud enough to capture the attention of die-hard fans like me.
The IPL Connection: A Rare Gem
It is undeniably clear that Mustafizur Rahman and Shakib Al Hasan are the only Bangladeshi players who truly cracked the code of the world’s largest T20 league, the IPL. While others like Litton Das have had opportunities, nothing compares to the charm Mustafizur brings to an IPL franchise.
It was heartening to see “The Fizz” weaving his magic in the IPL. When the Delhi Capitals brought him in during the 2025 season (replacing Jake Fraser-McGurk), he was instrumental for them in those final crucial matches.
I was earnestly waiting for him to play for Delhi again this year. Eventually, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) bought him for IPL 2026, and I was thrilled to see him in purple and gold.
But then, things turned very dark.
IPL 2026: The Auction Drama
It started like a fairy tale. In the mini-auction held in Abu Dhabi in December 2025, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) went to war to get Mustafizur. After a fierce bidding battle against the Delhi Capitals and Chennai Super Kings, KKR signed him for a massive ₹9.20 Crore. Fans were ecstatic to see his “magic” in purple and gold.
The Shocking Turn
But the dream turned into a nightmare in the early weeks of January 2026. Amidst growing political tension between India and Bangladesh, the BCCI officially instructed KKR to release Mustafizur from the squad.
The reason wasn’t cricket—it was politics. The tense situation in Bangladesh and the sharp reactions from the Indian public forced the board to take this drastic step.
The Aftermath: Politics Over Cricket
The release triggered a chain reaction. Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Sports Advisor Asif Nazrul, stated that the environment in India was no longer secure for their players.
This standoff went all the way to the ICC. In a decisive move in January, the ICC members voted on whether Bangladesh should play in India or if matches should be moved to Sri Lanka. The majority voted against the move, with reports suggesting only Pakistan stood in support of Bangladesh’s plea.
Whatever the politics may be, I honestly feel that borders shouldn’t divide the spirit of the game. We will definitely miss Mustafizur—the shy, smiling boy whose cutters spoke louder than words.