Afghanistan all-rounder Mohammad Nabi cut a visibly irritated figure during a post-match press conference in the Bangladesh Premier League after being questioned about the growing controversy involving Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman and Kolkata Knight Riders. Nabi, who is representing Noakhali Express in the BPL, made it clear that the issue had nothing to do with him and shut down the line of questioning immediately. The flashpoint stems from KKR releasing Mustafizur despite having secured him for INR 9.20 crore at the December 2025 IPL auction. The decision came after a directive from the BCCI, amid heightened political and diplomatic tensions between India and Bangladesh. Mustafizur was the only Bangladesh player picked in the auction, with KKR beating Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals to his signature before being forced to let him go. Asked to comment on the situation, Nabi refused to be drawn in. “What do I have to do with it, brother? What is my use with Mustafizur? What is my use in politics?” he said. “I know he is a good bowler, all these things. But the way you are questioning, it’s not related to me.” The controversy has also spilled into the international arena, with the Bangladesh Cricket Board writing to the ICC requesting that their T20 World Cup matches be moved out of India, citing security concerns. The 20-team tournament is scheduled to be held across India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8, with Bangladesh set to play three matches in Kolkata and Mumbai. The ICC is yet to respond, though a venue change appears unlikely so close to the tournament.
