The Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) directive for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from their Indian Premier League (IPL) squad has faced harsh criticism from a senior former board official, who labeled the decision illogical and poorly timed with a major International Cricket Council (ICC) event approaching.
Speaking on the condition of anonymity, the former official highlighted the complications this move could cause ahead of upcoming international commitments. He emphasized that Bangladesh is not Pakistan and deserves to be treated differently.
“I just don’t understand what kind of decision this was. Bangladesh is not the same as Pakistan. You cannot place them in the same bracket. They are not an enemy nation. If the policy is to treat them like Pakistan, then ban them completely. Next month is the World Cup, and India is set to host Bangladesh. How will that be justified? What happened in Bangladesh was wrong, but those were mobs, and such elements exist everywhere,” the official stated.
These comments follow the BCCI’s request for IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders to release top player Mustafizur Rahman from their squad, which the franchise complied with.
“Kolkata Knight Riders confirms that BCCI or IPL, as the regulator of IPL, has instructed it to release Mustafizur Rahman from the squad ahead of the upcoming Indian Premier League season. The release has been carried out following due process and consultations, upon the instruction of the Board of Control for Cricket in India. BCCI will allow Kolkata Knight Riders a replacement player in line with IPL regulations, and further details will be communicated in due course,” the franchise stated.
Earlier, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia affirmed that the board had directed the three-time champions to release Rahman and permitted them to seek a replacement player.
This decision was influenced by reports of violence against members of the Hindu community in Bangladesh in December. Additionally, critics had expressed their disapproval of Rahman’s involvement in the IPL.
Mustafizur, one of Bangladesh’s most experienced white-ball bowlers, was anticipated to play a crucial role for KKR in the upcoming IPL season. He had been acquired by the franchise for a significant 9.20 crore rupees in the December mini auction, making him the most expensive Bangladeshi cricketer in IPL history.