Bangladesh Government Criticizes IPL's Exclusion of Mustafizur Rahman

Bangladesh's Strong Reaction to IPL Decision

The Bangladesh government has expressed its disapproval regarding the decision to omit Mustafizur Rahman from the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Asif Nazrul, an adviser to the interim government, took to social media to voice his condemnation, stating, "The Indian cricket board has yielded to extremist groups, compelling the Kolkata Knight Riders to drop Mustafizur Rahman from their lineup. I vehemently protest this action."

Nazrul mentioned that the interim government has suggested that the cricket board seek intervention from the International Cricket Council (ICC). However, he clarified that while the Indian cricket board is a significant member of the ICC, the IPL operates as a domestic league, which means the ICC does not have authority over its management.

In his capacity as the adviser overseeing the Ministry of Sports, he has instructed the Bangladesh Cricket Board to formally communicate with the ICC, detailing the situation. He emphasized that if a Bangladeshi player under contract is barred from playing in India, it raises safety concerns for the entire national team regarding their participation in the World Cup.

Additionally, the interim government has initiated steps to prohibit the broadcasting of IPL matches within Bangladesh.

Nazrul further stated, "I have instructed the Board to propose that Bangladesh's World Cup matches be relocated to Sri Lanka. Furthermore, I have asked the Adviser for Information and Broadcasting to ensure that IPL match broadcasts in Bangladesh are halted. We will not accept any form of humiliation towards Bangladesh, its cricket, or its players. The era of subservience is finished."

This strong statement from Bangladesh comes in response to the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) directive to the Kolkata Knight Riders to release Mustafizur Rahman following protests related to the targeting of Hindu minorities in Bangladesh.