Politics must not intrude into cricket

The decision by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to force the release of Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the Indian Premier League (IPL) is deplorable. This move, driven by far-right pressure rather than sporting considerations, represents a clear case of politics intruding into a sport that has long served as a bridge between nations. The outrage sparked in Bangladesh afterwards is, therefore, only natural. The incident, or more specifically the hostile reaction that led to it, has also raised concerns about the safety of our players in the upcoming international fixtures in India, including Bangladesh's matches in the ICC T20 World Cup. As such, we support the Bangladesh Cricket Board's (BCB) decision not to send our national team to India for the upcoming T20 World Cup.

Mustafizur Rahman, the only Bangladeshi player selected in this year's IPL and one of the most accomplished fast bowlers in T20 cricket, earned his place purely on merit. His sudden removal thus sends a message that a player's nationality or religious identity can outweigh merit, professionalism, and contractual fairness. This may also further strain Bangladesh-India relations, which have already been under pressure since the fall of Awami League government. While the post-uprising period was marked by diplomatic sensitivities and increased border tensions, disinformation campaigns—spread largely by a section of Indian media portraying Bangladesh as unsafe for minorities—have compounded the problem. Against this backdrop, the recent incident could deepen mistrust and harden public opinion on both sides.

Cricket has historically played a vital role in fostering people-to-people connections between Bangladesh and India, even during periods of political strain. The IPL, in particular, has enjoyed immense popularity among Bangladeshi fans who have followed the tournament with enthusiasm. By allowing political considerations to dictate player participation, the BCCI risks eroding this goodwill and undermining the league's claim of being a global, inclusive sporting platform.

We, therefore, urge the BCCI to review and reverse its decision regarding Mustafizur Rahman. This would not only correct an injustice but also send a message that sport can rise above division. It is noteworthy that voices within India itself, including sitting MPs and former cricketers, have criticised the BCCI's move, calling it deplorable and cautioning against the "mindless politicising" of sport. Bangladesh's cricket board has also decided to seek clarifications from the ICC and the IPL governing body in this regard. We hope these bodies will make proper interventions. Cricket should remain a common ground for fair practices and interactions while both nations try to mend their ties at the political and diplomatic levels.