Congress MP Shashi Tharoor strongly criticized the BCCI’s directive to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman, calling it an “extremely unfortunate and unwise decision.” Speaking to news agency ANI, Tharoor argued that sports should remain separate from politics and not be forced to “bear the burden” of political failures. He highlighted ongoing diplomatic engagements with Bangladesh, including a recent visit by India’s foreign minister, as evidence that channels of communication remain open. The senior Congress leader expressed concern that politicizing a private cricket contract could worsen bilateral tensions at a sensitive time.

Mustafizur Rahman’s inclusion in KKR for IPL 2026, after being bought for ₹9.20 crore in the Abu Dhabi auction, sparked significant backlash in India amid reports of violence against Hindus in Bangladesh. The controversy escalated rapidly on social media, pressuring the BCCI to intervene and order his release from the franchise. Following the decision, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) convened emergency meetings and ultimately decided that their national team would not participate in the ICC T20 World Cup, scheduled to begin in India on February 7, 2026. The BCB cited security concerns and government directives as the reason for the withdrawal.

Tharoor emphasized that such actions only exacerbate existing tensions rather than help diffuse them. He noted that sports have historically served as a bridge between nations during difficult periods. By allowing social media outrage to influence policy decisions, he warned, India risks undermining the role of cricket as a unifying force. The veteran parliamentarian reiterated that India is already urging Bangladesh’s interim government to restore law and order and act against unlawful groups responsible for minority violence.

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The episode has reignited debates about the intersection of sports, politics, and social media in India. While some view the BCCI’s move as a necessary response to public sentiment, others, including Tharoor, see it as a shortsighted decision that could harm long-term diplomatic and sporting relations. The withdrawal of Bangladesh from the T20 World Cup has created logistical challenges for the tournament organizers. As discussions continue, the incident serves as a reminder of how quickly external issues can impact the cricketing world.

The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether diplomatic efforts can prevent further escalation. Both nations have a shared history of cricket diplomacy, and many hope that cooler heads will prevail. The T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, now faces the absence of a participating nation. The focus remains on ensuring the safety of all teams while preserving the spirit of the game. Tharoor’s remarks have added a significant voice to calls for keeping sports free from political interference.

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