The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), co-owned by Shah Rukh Khan, released the left-arm pacer from Bangladesh after a bidding war at last month’s auctions in Abu Dhabi, where he was purchased for Rs 9.20 crore, in compliance with BCCI’s directive.
Following an emergency board meeting regarding the matter, BCB president and former Bangladesh captain Aminul Islam Bulbul abstained from making any public statements.
Also Read: BCCI requests KKR to release Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman and permits a replacement
Advisor Asif Nazrul stated he has directed the Board to request the Jay Shah-led ICC to relocate Bangladesh’s four league matches—three in Kolkata and one in Mumbai—to Sri Lanka.
“As the adviser responsible for the Ministry of Sports, I have instructed the Cricket Control Board to document the entire issue and present it to the ICC,” Nazrul posted in Bengali on his Facebook page.
“The board should clarify that if a Bangladeshi cricketer cannot participate in India while under contract, then the Bangladesh national team cannot feel assured about traveling to India for the World Cup.
“I have also instructed the board to formally request that Bangladesh’s World Cup matches be relocated to Sri Lanka,” he further elaborated.
Bangladesh’s four league fixtures include matches against West Indies (February 7), Italy (February 9), and England (February 14) in Kolkata, followed by their final game against Nepal (February 17) in Mumbai.
A BCCI source, however, emphasized that such a shift is nearly impossible with only a month remaining before the tournament.
“You can’t simply alter schedules based on someone’s whims. It presents a logistical nightmare. Consider the opposition teams; their flights and accommodations are already arranged.
“Moreover, there are three games scheduled each day, which complicates matters since one game would need to be moved to Sri Lanka. The broadcast crew is also involved. It’s easier said than done,” the BCCI insider remarked.
Also Read: Hindu businessman dies three days after attack in Bangladesh
Pakistan, India’s rival, is already set to play its World Cup matches in Sri Lanka due to an arrangement made months earlier.
The relationship between India and Bangladesh has deteriorated following the ouster of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India in August last year amid anti-government protests.
She was sentenced to death in absentia by a tribunal for alleged involvement in a violent crackdown during the protests that resulted in several student deaths.
While the BCCI did not explicitly cite the current political climate as a reason for seeking Rahman’s release, it indicated that recent events influenced its decision.
Hindus have faced violent attacks since Hasina’s exit from power.
Will IPL broadcast be halted in Bangladesh?
Nazrul has also expressed that he has asked the adviser for Bangladesh’s Information and Broadcasting Ministry to ensure the suspension of IPL broadcasts in Bangladesh.
“I have requested that the adviser for Information and Broadcasting guarantee the IPL’s broadcast in Bangladesh is halted.
“We will not accept any disrespect towards Bangladeshi cricket, its players, or Bangladesh itself. The era of servitude is over,” he declared.
There is some disbelief in the BCB regarding the swift turn of events following India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar attending former PM Khaleda Zia’s funeral in Dhaka.
“The BCB had scheduled India’s tour to Bangladesh amid a sense of optimism, but we now require official confirmation from the Indian board regarding the cancellation of Mustafizur’s contract,” a BCB source disclosed to PTI under condition of anonymity.
“So far, the BCCI has not communicated anything officially to the BCB. Only after receiving an official statement will the BCB determine its next steps,” the source added.
