Safety Concerns Grow Around Mustafiz in IPL Amid Protest Threats

Staff Report: PNN

Even before the IPL matches begin, off-field tensions are rising around Bangladesh’s star pacer, Mustafizur Rahman. This has become a concern for tournament organizers and the respective franchise.

Recently, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) bought Mustafizur Rahman at the IPL mini-auction in Abu Dhabi for 9.2 crore INR, equivalent to over 12 crore Bangladeshi Taka. Being the only Bangladeshi player in the auction, a large-scale plan had been made for him by KKR.

However, due to the recent situation in Bangladesh concerning the Hindu minority community, some religious organizations in India have taken a strict stance, creating complications. Influential religious figures from Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, publicly warned that they might disrupt the matches if Mustafiz plays, even threatening to enter the stadium and damage infrastructure.

This has raised serious security concerns for Mustafizur. The Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) and KKR management face significant challenges to ensure law and order at various IPL venues across India.

Moreover, there is uncertainty regarding Mustafizur’s participation due to his national team commitments, as hinted by the Bangladesh Cricket Board. Some matches at the start of the tournament may not feature him.

Overall, this situation around Mustafizur has added a new dimension to IPL discussions, emphasizing the need to balance security and diplomatic sensitivities.