Bangladesh’s Youth and Sports Adviser, Asif Nazrul, has voiced strong condemnation following the exclusion of fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) squad in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The decision, reportedly made under directives from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), has triggered widespread protest in Bangladesh, with calls for decisive action to protect national cricketing interests.
Posting on his verified Facebook page, Asif Nazrul stated:
“KKR, bowing to pressure from extremist communal groups, has been instructed by the Indian cricket board to remove Bangladesh’s Mustafizur Rahman from the team. I strongly denounce and protest this action.”
Beyond expressing outrage, Nazrul urged the Bangladeshi authorities to consider suspending IPL broadcasts in the country. He wrote:
“I have requested the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to halt IPL telecasts in Bangladesh. Under no circumstances can we allow our cricket, our players, or our national honour to be disrespected. The era of subjugation is over.”
The KKR decision has also raised concerns about the upcoming T20 World Cup, scheduled in India this February. Bangladesh is set to play three group-stage matches in Kolkata and one in Mumbai. The adviser emphasised that the team’s participation and safety could be jeopardised if contractual discrimination against a Bangladeshi player persists. Consequently, he has instructed the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to formally appeal to the International Cricket Council (ICC) for relocation of the matches to Sri Lanka.
Nazrul further elaborated in his Facebook post:
“As the minister responsible for sports, I have directed the BCB to provide a written explanation to the ICC. If a Bangladeshi player cannot participate under contractual terms, the safety of the entire team cannot be assured. Therefore, a request to move the World Cup fixtures to Sri Lanka must be submitted.”
The key proposals regarding IPL broadcasts and player security are summarised below:
| Issue | Current Status | Asif Nazrul’s Proposal |
|---|---|---|
| Mustafizur Rahman’s exclusion | KKR, under BCCI instruction | Strong protest and denunciation |
| IPL broadcasting in Bangladesh | Currently ongoing | Call for suspension |
| T20 World Cup matches | Scheduled in Kolkata and Mumbai | Proposal to relocate to Sri Lanka |
| Bangladesh team security | Concerns exist | Instruct BCB to write to ICC |
Through these measures, Asif Nazrul has made it clear that safeguarding the dignity of Bangladesh cricket and its players is of paramount importance. His interventions also aim to ensure that Bangladesh’s participation in international tournaments remains secure and free from any political or communal pressures.