NEW DELHI – A former International Cricket Council (ICC) official has criticized the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), stating its "judgment error" in handling Mustafizur Rahman's Indian Premier League (IPL) ouster triggered widespread chaos for the upcoming T20 World Cup. The controversy has led to Bangladesh's removal from the tournament and Pakistan's subsequent decision to boycott its crucial match against India.
BCCI Directive Ignites Diplomatic Storm
The crisis began on January 3 when the BCCI instructed the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) franchise to release Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from his IPL contract. While no public explanation was initially offered beyond "administrative reasons" or "recent developments," the move quickly escalated into a major diplomatic incident in the cricketing world.
Sami-ul-Hasan Burney, former ICC Head of Communications and a former Media Director for the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), stated the situation could have been avoided if the BCCI had handled Rahman's departure more discreetly. "I mean, things could have been easily avoided if the cricket administrators or people responsible for the game had been a little bit more careful and avoided public statements," Burney told PTI. He added that the BCCI "didn't have to say it publicly" and could have privately informed KKR to release the player, preventing public knowledge and further implications. Burney called the January 3 announcement a "trigger" that set off a chain reaction.[hindustantimes+9]
The decision to release Rahman came amidst heightened regional tensions between India and Bangladesh. Weeks before the ouster, a Hindu factory worker was killed by a mob in northern Bangladesh, which led to protests across the border. Reports also indicate that the KKR co-owner, Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan, faced criticism in India for signing a Bangladeshi player amid the strained relations. Some ultranationalists reportedly threatened Mustafizur, stating he "would not be allowed to step outside the airport" if he traveled to India for the IPL.[sportsyaari+4]
Bangladesh Withdraws, Pakistan Boycotts
Following Rahman's release, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) swiftly responded. On January 4, the BCB formally approached the ICC, requesting their T20 World Cup group matches be moved out of India. The BCB cited "security concerns" for their team in India, based on advice from the Bangladesh government.[hindustantimes+5]
However, the ICC rejected Bangladesh's request. The global cricket body stated that security assessments showed no credible threat to players, officials, or fans at any tournament venues in India. The ICC also emphasized that changing venues so close to the tournament was not feasible and could set a precedent that would "jeopardise the sanctity of future ICC events."[timesofindia+6]
Despite the ICC's stance, Bangladesh's team management publicly indicated on January 22 that they would not travel to India for their matches. Just two days later, on January 24, the ICC officially removed Bangladesh from the T20 World Cup. Scotland was named as their replacement in the tournament. This exclusion marked a significant sporting and financial setback for Bangladesh cricket.[theguardian+9]
The controversy deepened when Pakistan announced its decision to boycott its high-profile group-stage match against India. On February 1, the Pakistan government directed its team not to participate in the February 15 fixture, expressing solidarity with Bangladesh. Former Pakistan batter Basit Ali also blamed the BCCI, suggesting they should have waited until after the World Cup to announce Rahman's release. "BCCI made one mistake by releasing Mustafizur Rahman early from the IPL. They could have let the matter cool down before making the announcement," Ali said on his YouTube channel. He believes this mistake led to Bangladesh's refusal to travel and Pakistan's subsequent boycott.[zeenews+8]
Wider Implications for Cricket Diplomacy
The PCB chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan's Interior Minister, reportedly views the ICC's refusal to relocate Bangladesh's matches as a "shifting of goalposts." Burney elaborated that Naqvi feels similar principles were not applied in Bangladesh's case, leading to accusations of double standards. Burney recalled an incident in November 2024 when the ICC informed the PCB about India's refusal to send its team to Pakistan.[mykhel+2]
The T20 World Cup is scheduled to begin on February 7. The India versus Pakistan match was one of the most anticipated fixtures. Pakistan faces potential financial losses and ICC sanctions for its boycott. However, Burney believes the PCB can withstand such implications, noting Pakistan has survived similar financial setbacks from not playing India bilaterally for two decades.[mykhel+5]
Indian politician Shashi Tharoor also criticized the BCCI's initial decision regarding Rahman. Speaking to The Indian Express, Tharoor called the move an "unnecessary politicisation of cricket." He argued it "demeans us as a nation," impacting India's diplomacy and bilateral relationship with Bangladesh.[timesofindia+1]
The unfolding events highlight the complex interplay of sports, politics, and international relations within the cricketing world, with administrative decisions now having far-reaching consequences for major global tournaments.[timesofindia]
