sports24x7.in

Tag: KKR

  • IPL 2026 : Political Party Issues Strong Warning to Bollywood ‘Badshah’ Over Mustafizur Issue

    IPL 2026 : Political Party Issues Strong Warning to Bollywood ‘Badshah’ Over Mustafizur Issue

    Even before the start of the IPL 2026 season, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have found themselves at the center of a fresh controversy. In this year’s auction, the Shah Rukh Khan–owned franchise signed Bangladesh star pacer Mustafizur Rahman for a record ₹9.20 crore the highest amount ever paid for a Bangladeshi cricketer in IPL history. However, instead of remaining limited to cricketing discussions, the deal has sparked major political and social debate.

    মুস্তাফিজুর ইস্যুতে বলিউড বাদশাকে বিরাট সতর্কবার্তা এই রাজনৈতিক দলের

     

    In recent times, allegations of persecution of minorities in Bangladesh have triggered anger among sections of the Indian public. Against this backdrop, some political leaders have demanded that Bangladeshi cricketers should not be allowed to play in the IPL. As a result, KKR and its owner Shah Rukh Khan have been directly dragged into the controversy.

    Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam, speaking to news agency ANI, effectively issued a “warning” to Shah Rukh Khan. He stated that in the current situation, anyone associated with Bangladeshi citizens could become a target of public anger. He said,
    “When the entire country is angry over the Bangladesh issue, if Shah Rukh Khan has a Bangladeshi player in his team, he could become a major target. We request, for his own good and in the interest of India, that the player be dropped from the team.”

    Taking an even tougher stance, Shiv Sena spokesperson Anand Dubey called for a complete ban. Speaking to ANI, he said,
    “Pakistani and Bangladeshi players should not be allowed to play in the IPL on Indian soil. If Mustafizur is not dropped from KKR despite so much controversy, it will prove that Shah Rukh Khan does not understand the importance of public sentiment in the country.”

    However, a section of the cricketing community believes that the IPL is a sporting competition where player selection should be based on performance and skill, not political tensions. Mustafizur Rahman is well known in international cricket for his deceptive cutters and effectiveness in death overs, which is precisely why KKR invested such a large amount in him, according to cricket analysts.

    As of now, neither KKR management nor Shah Rukh Khan has issued any official response. The question remains—will cricket be able to withstand political pressure, or will off-field controversies decide Mustafizur Rahman’s IPL future?

  • IPL 2026: Record Auction Price, but Uncertainty Looms Over This Knight!

    IPL 2026: Record Auction Price, but Uncertainty Looms Over This Knight!

    Kolkata Knight Riders created history at the IPL 2026 auction. Shah Rukh Khan’s franchise spent a massive ₹9.20 crore to sign Bangladesh’s star left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman. However, despite the huge investment, questions have already arisen: will KKR get Mustafizur for the entire season?

    The concern stems from Bangladesh’s international commitments during the IPL window. In April, Bangladesh are scheduled to play a limited-overs series against New Zealand, featuring both ODIs and T20Is. While Mustafizur is no longer a regular in the ODI setup, he remains a key figure in Bangladesh’s T20 squad. If he is selected, KKR may have to release him for a few matches midway through the IPL.

    The IPL 2026 season will run from March 26 to May 31. The Bangladesh–New Zealand T20 series is likely to take place between April 16 and April 23. If Mustafizur is called up during this period, securing a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Bangladesh Cricket Board could become complicated, potentially disrupting KKR’s plans.

    Notably, this is the highest-ever auction price paid for a Bangladeshi cricketer in IPL history. Mustafizur is also set to be the only Bangladeshi player in IPL 2026, as Taskin Ahmed, Rishad Hossain, and Tanzim Hasan Shakib went unsold at the auction.

    This will be the first time Mustafizur wears the KKR jersey. To secure his services, KKR had to outbid Delhi Capitals and Chennai Super Kings—both teams he has represented in the past. His proven IPL track record is what makes him such a valuable asset for the Knight Riders.

    Mustafizur made a sensational IPL debut in 2016, winning the Emerging Player of the Year award in his very first season. So far, he has taken 65 wickets in 60 IPL matches. Across all T20 cricket, he has played 308 matches and claimed 387 wickets.

    In the end, the big question remains: if national duty pulls him away midway, will KKR’s ₹9.20 crore gamble be put at risk? Or will Mustafizur silence all speculation and set the IPL on fire in Kolkata colors throughout the season? Only time will tell.

  • IPL 2026: Former Knight Rider Sees 70% Pay Cut, Joins RCB

    IPL 2026: Former Knight Rider Sees 70% Pay Cut, Joins RCB

    The IPL 2026 mini-auction once again proved that in cricket, “prices are never permanent.” Venkatesh Iyer, who was a ₹23.75 crore player for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) last season, has now joined Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) for just ₹7 crore. In other words, the Indian pinch-hitter accepted a nearly 70% pay cut to take a fresh opportunity in a new team.

    নিলামের ৭০ শতাংশ বেতন কমল নাইটদের এই প্রাক্তন ক্রিকেটারের
     

    Last season, Iyer struggled to live up to expectations. Playing 11 matches for KKR, he scored just 142 runs, with minimal impact in both batting and bowling. The hefty price tag appeared to weigh him down, resulting in a disappointing 2025 campaign.

    However, in 2024, Iyer had been a key player in KKR’s title-winning season, scoring 370 runs in 15 matches at a strike rate of 159. That performance laid the foundation for him to press the “reset” button for the new season.

    During the auction, KKR did not completely let go of Iyer. A bidding battle with RCB went up to ₹6.8 crore. But after spending ₹25.2 crore on Cameron Green, Kolkata were unwilling to push further. Finally, RCB snapped him up for ₹7 crore. With a new team, a defined role, and less financial pressure, this move could work in Iyer’s favour.

    The IPL 2026 auction also delivered a shock for South African veteran David Miller, whose value dropped from ₹7.5 crore last season to just ₹2 crore with Delhi Capitals.

    There were also some bargain deals at base price: England’s Ben Duckett was signed for ₹2 crore, Wanindu Hasaranga also for ₹2 crore, while Mumbai Indians brought back Quinton de Kock for just ₹1 crore.

    Interestingly, several big names including Liam Livingstone, Rachin Ravindra, Jamie Smith, Prithvi Shaw, and Sarfaraz Khan went unsold in the first round, but teams later included them strategically according to squad requirements.

    Overall, the IPL 2026 auction reaffirmed that form and team roles outweigh price tags. Venkatesh Iyer’s journey to RCB is not just a transfer—it’s an opportunity to prove himself all over again.

  • IPL 2026: Opposing Bowlers Will Be Shaking in Fear! KKR Snaps Up This Kiwi Star

    IPL 2026: Opposing Bowlers Will Be Shaking in Fear! KKR Snaps Up This Kiwi Star

    In the IPL 2026 mini-auction, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) made a surprising move despite a limited budget. From the list of capped wicketkeepers, the team picked New Zealand’s destructive batter Finn Allen for a base price of just ₹2 crore. With no major bidding wars, the Knight Riders secured him easily. The big question now—will Finn Allen get the opportunity to play this time?

    বিপক্ষের বোলাররা ভয়ে কাঁপবেন! নিলামে এই কিউই তারকাকে নিল KKR

    Although Finn Allen is a familiar name on the international stage, he hasn’t yet made a significant impact in the IPL. In the 2021 season, he joined Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) as a replacement for Josh Philippe, earning ₹20 lakh. In the following auction, RCB picked him again for ₹80 lakh, but he didn’t play a single match, spending the season as a reserve keeper.

    Outside the IPL, Finn Allen has made a mark in global franchise leagues. At just 26, he is considered one of the most destructive T20 openers in the world.

    This signing is crucial for KKR. In recent seasons, the team has struggled to find consistent success with foreign wicketkeeper-batters. Even with Rahmanullah Gurbaz in the squad, runs haven’t flowed consistently. Early runs at the top of the order have been a challenge in T20 cricket, and Finn Allen is expected to fill that gap for the Knight Riders.

    Finn Allen’s greatest strength is his attacking mindset from the very first ball. He is equally comfortable against both spin and pace, as reflected in his T20 strike rate. Across international and franchise cricket, he consistently bats at over a 170 strike rate.

    His exploits in Major League Cricket have drawn global attention. He has played in the 2023, 2024, and 2025 seasons, scoring 333, 306, and 75 runs respectively. In his first season, his strike rate exceeded 225, showcasing his aggressive approach.

    For New Zealand, Finn Allen has played 52 T20 internationals, scoring 1,285 runs with a highest of 137 and an average of 25.19. Across all franchise T20 leagues outside international cricket, he has played 162 matches, accumulating 4,431 runs with a highest score of 151.

    If he can maintain this form in the KKR jersey, it will provide a significant boost to the team’s batting lineup. Kolkata fans are eagerly waiting to witness Finn Allen unleash a storm of sixes at Eden Gardens.

  • IPL 2026: Shah Rukh Khan’s Team Targets These 5 Players in the Auction!

    IPL 2026: Shah Rukh Khan’s Team Targets These 5 Players in the Auction!

    Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are set to spend big in the IPL 2026 auction. The team has already released some major names, including Quinton de Kock and Venkatesh Iyer. Additionally, Andre Russell has retired. Now, the Knight Riders are eyeing five potential players who could strengthen the squad.

    নিলামে এই পাঁচ তারকাকে টার্গেট শাহরুখের দলের!

    1. Cameron Green

    The Australian all-rounder is KKR’s top choice. With Russell retired and Iyer released, the team needs a pace-bowling all-rounder like Green. In IPL matches, he has already showcased his talent with 707 runs and 16 wickets in 29 games. The auction for him is expected to be competitive, and he could even become one of the most expensive players in history.

    2. Jamie Smith

    This English batsman can bat at any position. He can open, form a partnership with Narine, or finish matches. Additionally, he could solve KKR’s wicketkeeping issue, as de Kock and Rishabh Gurunath have been released. Jamie Smith has already scored 130 runs in 5 T20 matches at a strike rate of 194.02.

    3. Jacob Duffy

    Duffy could be an ideal choice to strengthen KKR’s pace attack, especially in death overs. The New Zealand bowler has taken 53 wickets in 38 T20 matches. After Russell’s retirement, he could become KKR’s main weapon in the death overs.

    4. Prithvi Shaw

    KKR needs a strong Indian opener, and Prithvi Shaw could fill that gap. The Indian batsman has recently shown consistency in domestic cricket. KKR’s head coach Abhishek Nayar has also expressed interest in coaching Shaw. With a base price of just ₹75 lakh, he is an affordable option for the team.

    5. Venkatesh Iyer

    The team may try to bring him back. Despite being released, Iyer shares a good relationship with KKR. He could be valuable as a future captain. Iyer’s interest in the team is clear, so a reunion in the auction is possible.

  • IPL 2026: Which Players Will Shah Rukh’s Team Target at the Auction?

    IPL 2026: Which Players Will Shah Rukh’s Team Target at the Auction?

    The grand stage of the IPL 2026 auction is set to take place on 16 December in Saudi Arabia. All ten teams will have their eyes on star cricketers, but naturally, the spotlight is on Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Why? Because Shah Rukh Khan’s franchise is entering the auction with the highest purse ₹64.30 crore. And behind this massive financial manoeuvre lies the strategic shift introduced by their new coach, Abhishek Nayar.

    নিলামে কাদের দিকে নজর শাহরুখের দলের? ফাঁস প্রাক্তন ভারতীয় ক্রিকেটারের!

    Nayar’s Mindset: Build a New Team From Scratch

     

    KKR’s list of retained players shows Nayar’s clear intention—he is walking the path of rebuilding the team. Players like Andre Russell and Venkatesh Iyer, once match-winners for the Knights, delivered disappointing performances in recent seasons. Their expensive contracts further burdened the team.

    So, Nayar decided to “shed the weight of the past,” allowing KKR: greater freedom in team construction, more cash in the bank, and room to adopt an aggressive auction strategy.

    Nayar’s Experiment in Women’s Premier League

    Just before the IPL auction, Nayar worked as head coach of UP Warriorz at the Women’s Premier League auction. He released almost the entire squad and rebuilt a strong team from scratch.

    The message is clear—he is likely to apply the same formula at KKR.

    “Nayar Always Wants a Fresh Start,” Says Saba Karim On JioHotstar, former India wicketkeeper Saba Karim commented: “Abhishek always prefers to start afresh. We will see the same at KKR. He knows exactly which players can make him a champion. He may not go after big names, but he will target effective players.”

    Karim believes that KKR’s “cut-and-rebuild approach” has already secured Nayar’s position strongly within the franchise. With a huge budget and a clean slate, the focus will now be on picking the right cricketers.

    Will Venkatesh Iyer Return to KKR?

    Karim hinted that KKR may correct their past mistake of buying Venkatesh Iyer for a massive ₹23.75 crore.

    He said: “There won’t be much competition for Venkatesh this time. So KKR might bring him back at a much lower price.”

    Who Will KKR Target?

    KKR’s key priorities at the IPL 2026 auction may include:

    a reliable finisher

    a steady middle-order batter

    a fast, express-pace bowler

    a death-overs specialist

    promising young Indian talents

    With a fresh strategy and a huge budget, experts believe KKR will be one of the most aggressive teams at the IPL 2026 auction.

  • IPL 2026: CSK vs KKR in a bidding war for this Proteas cricketer!

    IPL 2026: CSK vs KKR in a bidding war for this Proteas cricketer!

    As the IPL 2026 auction approaches, speculation continues to rise. A major bidding war may erupt this time over South Africa’s experienced batter David Miller. Already in India for a five-match T20 series, Miller wants to prove in this series that his reputation as a “finisher” is still intact.

    নিলামে এই প্রোটিয়া ক্রিকেটারের জন্য বিডিং ওয়ারে CSK vs KKR!

     

    Lucknow Super Giants did not retain him, so Miller has entered his name in this year’s auction pool. At this moment, former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra mentioned on his YouTube channel that multiple teams might go after Miller.

    Aakash Chopra said, “This is a very important series for David Miller. Even though Lucknow released him, he is still a quality cricketer. In today’s IPL, almost every team needs a finisher who can bat at No. 6 or 7. From Chennai Super Kings to Kolkata Knight Riders.”

    He added, “Delhi Capitals, Rajasthan Royals, and even Miller’s old team Gujarat Titans will be looking for a backup overseas batter. So there is a very high chance that Miller will be sold for a big price.”

    A total of 1,390 players registered for the IPL 2026 auction. From that list, 350 players have been shortlisted—240 Indians and 110 overseas players. Across the 10 franchises, 77 slots are still open, including 31 spots reserved exclusively for overseas players. Naturally, the demand for established finishers like Miller is sky-high.

    David Miller’s recent form and vast experience have made him one of the major attractions in the auction. As Chopra suggested, several teams are keeping an eye on him. If CSK, KKR, Delhi, Rajasthan, or even Gujarat decide to bid for him, it would come as no surprise.

  • IPL 2026: Even After Breaking Records, This Star’s Salary Cannot Exceed ₹18 Crore! New IPL Rule

    IPL 2026: Even After Breaking Records, This Star’s Salary Cannot Exceed ₹18 Crore! New IPL Rule

    Australian all-rounder Cameron Green, who is being targeted heavily by both Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings is expected to attract one of the highest bids in the IPL 2026 auction. However, according to a new rule, no overseas player can be bought for more than ₹18 crore.

    রেকর্ড ভাঙলেও এই তারকার পারিশ্রমিক ১৮ কোটির বেশি নয়! IPL নতুন বিধান

     

    In the 2023 IPL auction, KKR bought Mitchell Starc for a record ₹24.75 crore, while Pat Cummins was purchased by Sunrisers Hyderabad for ₹20.5 crore. At that time, Sam Curran’s ₹18.5 crore deal created relatively less buzz.

    Cameron Green was bought by Mumbai Indians for ₹17.5 crore in 2023. The following year, he was traded to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for the same amount.
    Across the 2023 and 2024 IPL seasons, Green played 29 matches, scoring 707 runs at a strike rate of 153.70.
    For the 2026 auction, he has listed himself with the highest base price of ₹2 crore.

    New “Maximum Fee” Rule

    Under the new rule, the maximum auction price for any overseas player cannot exceed ₹18 crore. If a franchise bids more than ₹18 crore, the extra amount will be deposited into the BCCI’s Player Welfare Fund, rather than going to the player.

    This rule applies particularly to mini-auctions, so that foreign players cannot exploit supply-demand imbalances to earn excessively high amounts.

    An IPL source clarified:

    “If the highest bid in a mega auction is ₹20 crore, then the maximum limit for the next mini-auction will be ₹18 crore.”

    “If the highest bid in a mega auction is ₹16 crore, then the mini-auction limit will also be ₹16 crore.”

    Indian Players Not Affected

    This rule does not apply to Indian players.
    Indian players will receive the full auction amount, and the sum will be fully deducted from the franchise’s purse.

    Auction Details

    A total of 77 slots will be filled this year, including 31 overseas slots. The list of 16 capped Indian players is still being processed based on franchise preferences.

    The auction will be held on 16 December, where the combination of Cameron Green’s high demand and the new salary cap rule is expected to be one of the biggest talking points for IPL fans.

  • IPL 2026: KKR Could Surprise with This Former Cricketer in the Auction!

    IPL 2026: KKR Could Surprise with This Former Cricketer in the Auction!

    IPL 2026 auction has gained new excitement with South African wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock. Although he was not in the initial list, de Kock has now been included as a late addition in the list of 350 players.

    নিলামের দর হাকিয়ে চমক দিতে পারে KKR এই প্রাক্তন ক্রিকেটার!

     

    After being released by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), many assumed that he would not be sold in the next season’s auction. However, his recent performances have completely changed that perception. He played a blazing 106-run innings in the third ODI against India. In addition, he scored impressive innings of 63, 123*, and 53 runs in three ODIs against Pakistan.

    This year’s auction will not only feature familiar players but also some new Sri Lankan cricketers. Travin Mathew, Binura Fernando, Kushal Perera, and Dunith Wellalage will be part of the list. Additionally, Australia’s all-rounder Cameron Green is expected to be in List 1 and could become the most expensive player in the auction.

    The BCCI stated in a mail, “The auction will be held with 350 players and will begin at 1 PM UAE time (2:30 PM IST) on Tuesday, December 16, at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.”

    From a team finance perspective, KKR is entering the auction with the largest budget. They have ₹64.30 crore to fill 13 vacant spots. Meanwhile, 2023 champions Chennai Super Kings have a budget of ₹43.4 crore and are aiming to fine-tune their squad in the auction.

    So, the IPL 2026 auction promises to be thrilling once again, setting the stage for new stories and big surprises for cricket fans.

  • IPL 2026: A Fortune Awaits This Star in Auction CSK vs KKR!

    IPL 2026: A Fortune Awaits This Star in Auction CSK vs KKR!

    Cricket fans are now fully focused on the IPL 2026 auction. The player who has become the main attraction of the auction is none other than Australia’s Cameron Green. Two major franchises, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), are entering this season with the biggest budgets—₹43.4 crore and ₹64.3 crore, respectively. This means both teams have the financial capacity to bid big for him.

    নিলামে এই তারকার জন্য টাকার ঝুলি খুলবে CSK vs KKR!

     

    KKR’s primary aim is to strengthen their squad after Andre Russell’s release by adding a powerful overseas hitter and a fast-bowling option. On the other hand, Chennai is mainly focused on rebuilding the team balance. They are looking for a player who can perform in the top order and also provide depth with medium-fast bowling.

    Cameron Green fits both requirements perfectly. His all-round abilities and world-class performances have made him the “most valuable” target of the auction. With a base price of ₹2 crore, a fierce bidding war is expected for this pace-bowling all-rounder. Experts predict that his price could cross the ₹15 crore mark.

    Cricket fans are buzzing with excitement. Who will win this auction battle—CSK or KKR? This December auction is surely set to be an electrifying battlefield.