Rs. 9.20 Crore IPL Contract: What Mustafizur Rahman Lost After KKR Exit

Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman was set to feature in the IPL 2026 season for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) after being picked for a record Rs. 9.20 crore at the auction. However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) formally directed KKR to release him from their squad, citing “recent developments all across,” without disclosing any specific reason. The BCCI Secretary confirmed that KKR would be allowed to name a replacement player under existing IPL regulations, if required.

With Mustafizur’s exit confirmed, attention turned to the financial implications of the release and what the player stood to earn had he remained part of the KKR squad.

What would have been Mustafizur Rahman’s actual earnings from his Rs. 9.20 crore IPL 2026 contract after accounting for Indian tax, DTAA implications, and other deductions?

KKR secured Mustafizur Rahman for Rs. 9.20 crore at the IPL 2026 auction, marking the highest-ever IPL contract for a Bangladeshi player. IPL player contracts are typically paid in instalments before, during, and after the season, with adjustments permitted if a player becomes unavailable under BCCI or IPL regulations.

As an overseas cricketer, Mustafizur Rahman’s IPL earnings would be taxed in India under Section 115BBA of the Income-tax Act at a flat rate of 20%. This rate is exclusive of Cess and surcharge so final TDS Rate would be 26% (20% Tax Plus 4% Cess and 25% Surcharge)

From the contract value, approximately Rs. 2.392 crore would have been deducted as tax at source, leaving a net amount of about Rs. 6.808 crore before considering any further liabilities.

Under the India-Bangladesh Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA), the same income is not taxed twice in full. However, Mustafizur would still be required to declare the IPL income in Bangladesh, where the final tax outcome would depend on domestic tax rules and the availability of foreign tax credit.

In addition, agent commissions, insurance costs, and other personal and professional expenses would further reduce take-home income. Taking these factors into account, a realistic estimate of Mustafizur Rahman’s in-hand earnings after Indian tax would likely have been in the range of Rs. 6–6.5 crore, with the final post-tax amount being lower.

To Read Full Judgment, Download PDF Given Below