B’desh not same as Pakistan: Ex-BCCI official on Mustafizur issue
The Indian Premier League (IPL) has been at the center of controversy recently, with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) directing the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Bangladesh’s Mustafizur Rahman from their IPL 2026 squad. This decision has been met with criticism from various quarters, with a former BCCI official weighing in on the issue. The official has questioned the fairness of the decision, stating that Bangladesh is not the same as Pakistan and should not be treated as an enemy nation.
The controversy surrounding Mustafizur Rahman’s release from the KKR squad stems from the recent tensions between India and Bangladesh. However, the former BCCI official has argued that the two countries should not be compared to each other, especially in the context of cricket. “Bangladesh is not the same as Pakistan,” the official said. “We should not treat them as an enemy nation. What happened in Bangladesh was wrong, but those were mobs…such elements exist everywhere.”
The official’s comments come at a time when India is set to host Bangladesh in the upcoming T20 World Cup. The tournament is expected to be a major event, with teams from around the world competing for the top prize. In this context, the decision to release Mustafizur Rahman from the KKR squad seems even more puzzling. “If we are going to host Bangladesh in the T20 World Cup, then why are we treating their players differently in the IPL?” the official asked.
The official’s criticism of the BCCI’s decision is not just about the treatment of Bangladesh’s players, but also about the broader implications of such a move. “This decision sets a bad precedent,” the official said. “If we start treating players from certain countries differently, it could lead to a lot of problems in the future. Cricket is a sport that is meant to bring people together, not drive them apart.”
The BCCI’s decision to direct the KKR to release Mustafizur Rahman has been seen as a response to the recent tensions between India and Bangladesh. However, the former BCCI official has argued that this decision is not a solution to the problem. “We need to find a way to resolve our differences with Bangladesh, but this is not the way to do it,” the official said. “We should be engaging with each other, not isolating each other’s players.”
The controversy surrounding Mustafizur Rahman’s release has also raised questions about the role of politics in sports. The BCCI’s decision has been seen as a political move, with some arguing that it is an attempt to appease certain sections of the Indian public. However, the former BCCI official has argued that sports and politics should be kept separate. “Cricket is a sport, not a political tool,” the official said. “We should not be using it to score political points.”
In conclusion, the controversy surrounding Mustafizur Rahman’s release from the KKR squad has highlighted the complexities of the relationship between India and Bangladesh. While the recent tensions between the two countries are a cause for concern, the BCCI’s decision to direct the KKR to release Mustafizur Rahman has been seen as an overreaction. As the former BCCI official has argued, Bangladesh is not the same as Pakistan, and should not be treated as an enemy nation. The decision to release Mustafizur Rahman sets a bad precedent and could lead to problems in the future. It is hoped that the BCCI will reconsider its decision and find a way to resolve the issue in a fair and equitable manner.
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