Mustafizur Rahman controversy: ‘Big loss for Bangladesh cricket not playing in India’ — Rajin Saleh urges politics be kept aside | EXCLUSIVE | Cricket News
NEW DELHI: Mustafizur Rahman’s release by Kolkata Knight Riders from the IPL, following directives issued by the BCCI, sparked widespread debate and criticism in Bangladesh. In the latest developments, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on Sunday announced that the national team will not travel to India for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. The Bangladesh government also ordered a suspension of all IPL broadcasts and telecasts in the country.Mustafizur, who previously represented Sunrisers Hyderabad, Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals, Delhi Capitals and Chennai Super Kings, has taken 65 wickets in 60 IPL matches. KKR bought him for a hefty Rs 9.2 crore at the IPL 2026 auction, making him the only Bangladesh cricketer to secure a contract this season. However, the BCCI issued a directive that led to his release.
Former Bangladesh batter Rajin Saleh believes the move will prove to be a major setback for Bangladesh cricket, especially given the strong cricketing relationship the country has shared with the Indian board.“Previously, many Bangladesh players like Mushfiqur, Taskin and Shakib played in the IPL. But this time, no Bangladesh player will play. It’s a big setback for Bangladesh cricket. Definitely, for Bangladesh, it’s a huge loss,” Saleh told TimesofIndia.com in an exclusive interview.“Politics should be kept aside and cricket should be played. We shouldn’t do it any other way. The ground may be different, but cricket is separate. Cricket should be played. Look, in India there are Hindus and Muslims — in fact, there are many Muslims. In Bangladesh, there are many Hindus too. My closest friends are Hindu as well. I have two friends, Shimmer and Tushar, and I always talk to them. Politics should remain separate from cricket. This situation is sad. Why does cricket get involved? Cricket should stay separate,” said Saleh, who played 24 Tests and 43 ODIs between 2003 and 2008.SECURITY CONCERNS FOR BANGLADESH TEAMBilateral relations between the two countries have remained strained since the mass uprising in Bangladesh in 2024 that led to the removal of then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.Citing security concerns, the Bangladesh Cricket Board has decided not to send its team to India for the T20 World Cup. The BCB said the decision was taken “to safeguard the safety and well-being of Bangladeshi players, team officials and board members.”
“Security is the main concern. If good security is provided to Mustafizur and the Bangladesh team, why not go? Definitely, they will go. How will the 25 players play in the World Cup? How will security be provided? If positive signals are given, why not? But there has been no word yet,” Saleh said.“The issue is that proper security cannot be provided. We share a good friendship with India. Bangladesh are preparing for the World Cup and practising. The board has taken a decision regarding India, and we are actually sad. We are hurt by this news and these developments. India are very important to us. Bangladesh have gained a lot from India. We have learnt a lot from India,” he added.
‘BANGLADESH WILL BEAT INDIA’The T20 World Cup will begin on February 7, with defending champions India set to face the USA in the opening match in Mumbai. The 20-team tournament will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka over 29 days across eight venues — five in India and three in Sri Lanka.A total of 40 group-stage matches will be played between February 7 and February 20, after which the top two teams from each group will advance to the Super Eights, starting on February 21. The top four sides at the end of the Super Eights will qualify for the knockout stages.In Group A, India are drawn alongside the USA, Pakistan, Netherlands and Namibia, and will take on arch-rivals Pakistan in Colombo on February 15. Group B features Sri Lanka, 2021 champions Australia, Ireland, Zimbabwe and Oman. Group C includes two-time champions England and West Indies, first-timers Italy, and Asian sides Bangladesh and Nepal. Group D comprises New Zealand, South Africa, Afghanistan, Canada and the UAE.If India and Bangladesh were to meet in the Super Eights, Saleh believes Bangladesh would emerge victorious, with Mustafizur playing the role of wrecker-in-chief in his team’s win.“Mustafizur will do well. I am confident. He is a good player and has been performing well. The IPL and world cricket will see him do well. If he plays against India, he should perform even better. Bangladesh should aim to beat India. I am sure Bangladesh will beat India if they meet in the Super Eights,” Saleh signed off.
