A tense moment unfolded in the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League 2025-26 (BPL 2025-26) when Afghanistan all-rounder Mohammad Nabi was asked about the ongoing clash between India and Bangladesh following Mustafizur Rahman’s controversial IPL 2026 exit.
BPL press conference proved awkward for Mohammad Nabi
However, Mohammad Nabi made it clear that he does not want to be dragged into any sensitive controversy as he has nothing to do with the political cricket drama between India and Pakistan.
The experienced Afghanistan all-rounder is currently playing for Noakhali Express in the ongoing BPL 2025-26. After the Bangladesh Premier League match between Noakhali Express and Dhaka Capitals, Nabi found himself in an awkward situation during the post-match press conference.
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Instead of questions about the BPL 2025-26 game, a reporter dragged Nabi into the growing controversy involving Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman and IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), which ultimately became a national issue for both India and Bangladesh.
Mohammad Nabi refused to be part of political drama
This question greatly angered Afghan star Mohammad Nabi, who reacted strongly and immediately shut it down and clarified that the matter has nothing to do with the dispute and has no role in political matters.
Nabi acknowledged that Mustafizur is a good bowler, but expressed disappointment when he was asked about something that had nothing to do with his team, his matches or his career.
Mohammad Nabi told the reporter in the press conference after the match, “What does this have to do with me brother? What do I have to do with Mustafizur? What do I have to do with politics?
Respect for the prophet and Afghanistan +9999
Afghan cricketer Mohammad Nabi, who is currently playing in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), was asked about Mustafizur Rahman being released from the IPL.
Nabi became angry and refused to comment on the matter.– Jara (@JARA_Memer) 12 January 2026
Mustafizur Rahman’s exit from IPL has massive consequences
The situation between India and Bangladesh has become quite serious after KKR dropped Mustafizur Rahman on the orders of BCCI. KKR signed Rahman for Rs 9.20 crore in the IPL auction 2026, and he was the only Bangladesh player to be selected for the next season.
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Big teams like Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals were also interested in signing the Bangladesh pacer, but KKR won the bidding war in Abu Dhabi last month.
Later, after a strong reaction in India and reports of violence against Hindus in Bangladesh, KKR had to let Mustafizur go on the instructions of BCCI. The matter extended beyond cricket, as the Bangladesh government banned IPL 2026 in the country until further notice.
Cricket dispute turns into diplomatic tension
Even the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) wrote to the International Cricket Council (ICC) asking it to shift its ICC T20 World Cup 2026 matches from India to Sri Lanka. The BCB is still waiting for a response from the ICC after raising security concerns over traveling to India for the World Cup.
The tournament will be held from February 7 to March 8 in India and Sri Lanka. Bangladesh has to play its group matches in Kolkata and Mumbai.