“I felt sorry for him at CSK” - Moeen Ali’s massive statement on new KKR signing at IPL 2026 auction

Former England all-rounder Moeen Ali made a massive statement on Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) signing Mustafizur Rahman at the IPL 2026 auction. The auction took place on Tuesday, December 14, in Abu Dhabi.

KKR roped in the experienced Bangladesh pacer for an impressive amount of ₹9.20 crore. He became the most expensive player from his country in IPL history. Moeen Ali expressed that he felt sorry for Mustafizur when the pacer was with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in 2024. However, he was happy that the 30-year-old went for a high price this time around and reckoned that he deserved it as well.

"I am really happy for him. He deserves it. He is very underrated. He's got great skill, goes under the radar. I felt sorry for him at CSK because he did well initially. Had a couple of games where it did not go well for him and then he hardly played. I am really happy. He's been slugging it out for years. I think he was just in the auction, putting his name in and hoping for the best. If I get unsold, it's fine, for him to go at that price is a bonus for him," Moeen Ali said on the 'Beard Before Wicket' podcast.

Mustafizur played nine matches for CSK in 2024 and bagged 14 wickets. However, he was released and went to the Delhi Capitals (DC) in 2025, where he played just three games. The veteran pacer brings a wealth of experience, having featured in 308 T20 games with 387 wickets at an average of 21.43 and an economy of 7.43.

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Moeen Ali feels there will be no special treatment for KKR star Cameron Green

KKR also made a historic buy, roping in all-rounder Cameron Green for a whopping ₹25.20 crore. He became the most expensive overseas player in the league. Moeen Ali reckoned that his skills as a flexible batter, fast-bowler, and top fielder led to his high demand.

KKR had released Andre Russell and got Green as his replacement at the auction. Moeen Ali believed that Green would be expected to perform right away with no special treatment.

"It's what he brings to the table. A fast bowler, can bat anywhere in the top six, gun fielder. So I think it is a potential for the next three years. I don't think he has really killed it but he's done well. KKR wanted someone like him. The buildup was they would go for him with Russell gone. They're going to want him to do well straightaway. He's a top cricketer and I think he will do well but you are replacing Russell, who is one of the greats of the IPL. But what he must keep in his mind that it is not his fault (on Green going for a high price). The franchise must also makes the environment good for him. But there will not be special treatment. You've got to perform," he said.

Green previously featured for the Mumbai Indians (MI) and the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). He has played 29 IPL games and has scored 707 runs at an average of 41.58 and a strike rate of 153.69. He has also picked up 16 wickets.