Picture Credit: BCCI/IPL
KKR had acquired the services of the Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman for Rs 9.20 crore from a base price of Rs 2 crore after an intense bidding war with Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals at the IPL auction last month. Today BCCI asked Kolkata Knight Riders to release Mustafizur Rahman from the squad and said that KKR allowed to name a replacement player if required. In this article we will explain in detail as to why this decision was taken and what happened.
The controversy has emerged amid deteriorating relations between India and Bangladesh. There have been concerns over reports of violence against minorities in Bangladesh. The relations between these two countries hit a rough patch following the ouster of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India in August last year amid anti-government protests. Muhammad Yunus who has been against India in the past too came took over the new regime.
The transition from the Awami League government, widely viewed as India friendly, to the current Muhammad Yunus-led interim administration has significantly altered Bangladesh’s diplomatic posture. Dhaka’s efforts to deepen engagement with Pakistan have further complicated the regional equation between India and Bangladesh.
In recent months, Dhaka has summoned Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma multiple times over various issues, while India summoned Bangladesh’s High Commissioner Reaz Hamidullah to express concerns over security conditions in Bangladesh.
The issue escalated after KKR picked Mustafizur at the December IPL auction. Soon after, BJP leader Kaustav Bagchi warned against allowing Bangladeshi players to participate in IPL matches held in Kolkata. BJP leader Sangeet Som made similar remarks, alleging that atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh made the signing unacceptable. He further accused Shah Rukh Khan of acting against national interests. Many other prominent people started questioning the decision of picking a Bangladesh player in the IPL.
On Saturday, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia told PTI “The BCCI has asked Kolkata Knight Riders to release Mustafizur Rahman from its squad. They can ask for replacement, if needed. And upon request, BCCI will allow a replacement player,” So this decision came after political pressure and public debate following KKR’s move to sign him at the IPL auction.
Mustafizur Rahman has featured in eight IPL seasons since 2016, missing only the 2019 and 2020 seasons. He has previously played for Sunrisers Hyderabad, Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals, Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals.
