Politics, the IPL and a World Cup flashpoint: Explaining the India–Bangladesh cricket rift

The chain of events began with the dramatic removal of Bangladesh star pacer Mustafizur Rahman from IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders, triggering widespread debate and controversy. The fallout has since escalated, leading to Bangladesh's refusal to play the upcoming T20 World Cup on Indian soil and an unprecedented strain in India–Bangladesh cricketing relations.

In this episode of Star Explains, we break down the entire saga -- from Mustafizur's IPL exit to the broader political and cricketing implications -- and explore how this unfolding crisis could reshape regional cricket dynamics.