- Diplomatic rift escalates into sports.
- Bangladesh seeks T20 matches moved to Sri Lanka.
- Cricketer’s IPL dismissal triggers action.
Political tensions between Dhaka and New Delhi, which flared following the mass uprising in Bangladesh that led to the removal of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, have now infected the realm of international cricket. This escalation follows the forced withdrawal of star fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Asif Nazrul, the Youth and Sports Adviser within Bangladesh’s interim administration, issued a robust statement on Sunday, asserting that the nation would not tolerate any affront to its cricketers or its dignity [Source: BSS news agency]. Nazrul emphasized that “The days of slavery are over,” a clear indication of the government’s firm stance against perceived disrespect from its powerful neighbor. The adviser explicitly ordered the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to formally communicate with the International Cricket Council (ICC).
The core of the complaint revolves around the security of the national team. Nazrul instructed the BCB to inform the ICC that if a contracted Bangladeshi cricketer, referring to Mustafizur, cannot remain safe and play in India, then the entire national team cannot feel secure traveling to the country for the upcoming T20 World Cup. Consequently, the government has requested that Bangladesh’s group stage matches, currently scheduled to be played in India, be relocated to Sri Lanka.
This immediate action was triggered after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) reportedly advised the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Mustafizur Rahman, who had been contracted for over $1 million. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed that this advice was given “considering recent developments” related to the strained geopolitical atmosphere. KKR, co-owned by Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan, subsequently stated that Mustafizur’s release had been executed after “due process and consultations.”
The T20 World Cup is set to begin on February 7, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Pakistan has already secured an arrangement to play all its fixtures in Sri Lanka, part of a strategy used in multi-nation tournaments to ensure neutral venues for high-tension matches. Bangladesh’s BCB President, Aminul Islam Bulbul, acknowledged the crisis, noting that “The dignity and security of our cricketers are our top priorities,” and promised a decision would be made accordingly.
Adding to the retaliatory measures, Nazrul has also requested the Information and Broadcasting Adviser to impose a complete ban on the broadcasting of the IPL tournament within Bangladesh. This dramatic confrontation occurs despite recent attempts at reconciliation, including a visit by India’s Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar last week, and confirmation that India’s white-ball team is still scheduled to tour Bangladesh in September.