Bangladesh seeks ICC’s attention after BCCI asks KKR to exclude Mustafizur Rahman

Mustafizur Rahman (file image)

• BCCI asked KKR to release Bangladesh's Mustafizur Rahman, sparking controversy
• Bangladesh condemned the move, threatened to stop IPL telecasts and World Cup travel.
• Indian politician urged a ban on Bangladeshi players in Indian cricket leagues

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A diplomatic and sporting row has erupted after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) asked Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman, triggering strong reactions from Dhaka and political statements in India.

Reacting to the development in Nagpur, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Navneet Rana argued that Indian leagues should not feature Bangladeshi players. “There should be no Bangladeshi cricketer playing in India or taking part in any of our cricket matches or leagues,” she said. Citing alleged attacks on minorities across the border, Rana added, “Bangladesh is targeting Hindus and other minorities in their country, and therefore no cricketer or film celebrity whatsoever should be entertained in India.”

Following the BCCI’s direction to KKR, Bangladesh’s interim government sharply criticised the move. Asif Nazrul, Adviser to the interim administration, posted a strong statement on Facebook condemning what he described as external pressure. “By bowing to extremist communal groups, the Indian cricket board has directed the Kolkata Knight Riders to exclude Bangladesh cricketer Mustafizur Rahman from the team. I strongly condemn and protest this decision,” he wrote.

Nazrul said the matter was being escalated to the international cricket authorities. “As the adviser in charge of the Ministry of Sports, I have instructed the Bangladesh Cricket Board to formally write to the ICC explaining the entire matter,” he stated. He also warned of broader consequences, saying the board should make it clear that “if a Bangladeshi cricketer, despite being under contract, cannot play in India, then Bangladesh cannot consider it safe for the entire national cricket team to travel there to participate in the World Cup.”

While the ICC has no role in governing the IPL, which is a domestic tournament, the interim government announced additional steps. Nazrul said the administration had decided to stop IPL telecasts in Bangladesh. “I have also directed the Board to request that Bangladesh’s World Cup matches be held in Sri Lanka instead,” he said. He further added, “Additionally, I have requested the Adviser for Information and Broadcasting to ensure that the broadcast of IPL matches in Bangladesh is suspended.”

Nazrul said, “Under no circumstances will we tolerate the humiliation of Bangladesh, Bangladeshi cricket, or Bangladeshi cricketers. The days of subservience are over.”

The reaction from Dhaka comes after protests in India over Mustafizur Rahman’s inclusion, following reports of attacks on Hindu minorities in Bangladesh, which ultimately led to the BCCI’s instruction to KKR to release the player.

(With agency inputs)