NEW DELHI: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday questioned the decision to release Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from the Indian Premier League (initial loading), wondering what role an individual actor played in the larger diplomatic situation between India and Bangladesh.Go beyond borders with our YouTube channel. REGISTER NOW!Rahman was released by Kolkata Knight Riders after the franchise was instructed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to do so in a context of increased diplomatic tensions between the two countries.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of an official meeting, Abdullah said he did not understand how the withdrawal of a single cricketer would help improve the situation in Bangladesh or strengthen bilateral relations.“What is this poor player’s fault? said Abdallah. “I agree that our relations with Pakistan are very bad. But what have the people of Bangladesh done to us? Our relations with the people of Bangladesh were good. They are still good.”Abdullah further said that Bangladesh had not caused harm to India and questioned the justification of targeting a sportsperson.
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“Bangladesh is not involved in any terrorism in our country and has not caused any damage to us. We have close relations. Now this player has been expelled,” he said.The chief minister also said the move could have wider implications for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which is expected to be hosted by India and Sri Lanka.He said concerns were now being raised over Bangladesh’s trip to India for the tournament. “The people of Bangladesh say they will not come and play in India. They say their matches should be held elsewhere,” Abdullah said.Calling for sports and politics to be treated separately, Abdullah said governments should adopt measured responses if they wish to protest political developments.“What is this player’s fault? He was ready to play,” he said, adding that neither the player nor the franchise wanted the separation.“His team didn’t want to send him away. He didn’t want to go. The pressure came from above and they sent him away,” Abdullah said.Rahman was the only Bangladeshi player bought in the IPL auction, after being picked up by KKR for Rs 9.20 crore.
