Frustratingly, politics has the capacity to dictate how a team or tournament runs. It can either be good or bad. However, it's usually, nay, always the latter. It always ruins the ambience and the vibe. There have been three recent stories to prove the severity of the interferences.
Bangladesh fast bowler, Mustafizur Rahman, was on Saturday released by Indian Premier League team, Kolkata Knight Riders, after the cricket board "advised" it to do so, following tensions between the neighbouring nations.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have released Mustafizur Rahman from their squad for IPL 2026 after the BCCI "instructed" them to do so because of "recent developments," possibly referring to geo-political developments in the region.
Mustafizur, who has played in the IPL for other teams in previous editions, was snapped up at auction in December by Kolkata for more than $1 million.
Devajit Saikia, secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), said that "considering recent developments" Kolkata were "advised to release" the 30-year-old. Saikia did not publicly give further reasons for the directive, but the presence of the Bangladesh international provoked criticism by some right-wing Hindu groups after the death of a Hindu man in Bangladesh in December.
"Due to the recent developments which is going on all across, BCCI has instructed the franchise KKR to release one of their players, Mustafizur Rahman of Bangladesh, from their squad and BCCI has also said that if they ask for any replacement, BCCI is going to allow that replacement," Devajit Saikia, told news agency, ANI, on Saturday morning.
Kolkata, majority-owned by Bollywood superstar, Shah Rukh Khan, subsequently said that his "release has been carried out following due process and consultations".
"BCCI will allow Kolkata Knight Riders a replacement player in line with IPL replacement regulations," the team said in a statement on X. India's foreign ministry last month condemned what it called "unremitting hostility against minorities" in Muslim-majority Bangladesh.
Within a few hours, KKR issued a statement confirming that "the release has been carried out following due process and consultations, upon the instruction of the Board of Control of Cricket in India".
Meanwhile, just a day before Saikia's statement on Mustafizur, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) announced their home season, starting March 2026, and that includes a white-ball tour of three ODIs and three T20Is by India, a series that was originally planned for 2025 but was rescheduled. Bangladesh are, of course, scheduled to be in India for the T20 World Cup earlier, in February-March.
Mustafizur, who has played for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Mumbai Indians (MI), Rajasthan Royals (RR), Delhi Capitals (DC) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the past, has picked up 65 wickets in 60 matches overall in an IPL career that started in 2016.
He was acquired by KKR at the IPL auction late last year for INR 9.2 crore as the team refreshed their line-up, also adding Akash Deep, Sri Lanka's Matheesha Pathirana and Australia all-rounder, Cameron Green, among others.
Mustafizur, the only Bangladesh cricketer to find an IPL team ahead of the 2026 season, is currently playing in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) for Rangpur Riders.
The BCCI's directive to release Mustafizur represents a significant tactical and financial setback for Kolkata Knight Riders. By committing Rs 9.20 crore to the Bangladeshi pacer, KKR had clearly designated him as their premier death-overs specialist. His world-class "cutters" and ability to exploit the slower nature of the Eden Gardens pitch provided a unique left-arm angle that is difficult to replicate. Losing him this close to the season leaves a gaping hole in their bowling attack and places immense pressure on Matheesha Pathirana to shoulder the burden of the final overs alone.
From a strategic perspective, KKR's overseas balance has been thrown into disarray. The franchise had likely planned to rotate their international slots around a core featuring Sunil Narine, Cameron Green and Pathirana; with Mustafizur acting as the bowling anchor.
Without him, the team may be forced to rely more heavily on their Indian pace battery, including Harshit Rana and Umran Malik or pivot their strategy to include an extra overseas batsman like Rachin Ravindra.
Financially, the situation is equally complex. KKR will be desperate for the IPL Governing Council to credit the Rs 9.20 crore back into their purse to facilitate a high-quality replacement. If they are unable to recoup these funds, they may be forced to obtain a replacement at a 'bargain' price. The BCCI has already agreed to give KKR a replacement player but there's no clarity on the return of funds yet.
The controversy surrounding Mustafizur - who has been a consistent performer in the IPL for various franchises - comes at a time when India and Bangladesh's sporting ties are scrutinised through a geopolitical lens. But, Kaif feels the BCCI has what it takes to resolve the conflict.
Former India cricketer, Madan Lal, has claimed that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) was arm-twisted into asking Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from their squad ahead of the 2026 season of the Indian Premier League.
Speaking to India Today, Madan Lal said the decision reflected the growing intrusion of politics into sport and insisted that players were unfairly being caught in the crossfire. The BCCI's decision has come amid questions directed at Kolkata Knight Riders and its co-owner, Shah Rukh Khan, over the franchise's choice to include a Bangladesh player, at a time when reports of targeted atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh have sparked widespread concern.
"You know, I think the BCCI has taken this decision because nobody can challenge them. Not even Shah Rukh Khan, because they come under the BCCI. So the BCCI has taken the decision. But I don't know why there is so much politics entering sports. I have no idea where cricket is heading, where sport is heading," Madan Lal said.
Rahman drew significant attention after KKR purchased him for a record Rs 9.20 crore at the December mini-auction, making him the most expensive Bangladeshi cricketer in IPL history. He was acquired from a starting price of Rs 2 crore following a fierce bidding battle between Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals.
âI believe whatever the BCCI has done must have followed thorough consultation, keeping public sentiment in mind. They may also have received inputs from the government. Whether it is right or wrong, I cannot say, but the BCCI understands the situation well. India helped Bangladesh gain independence, and the killing of our Hindu brothers there is deeply wrong. The people of Bangladesh should reflect on this,â Lal, a member of Indiaâs 1983 World Cup-winning side, told IANS.
Earlier, spiritual teacher, Devkinandan Thakur, among many others, publicly criticised KKR and its co-owner, Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan, for signing Rahman. Thakur stated that followers of Sanatan Dharma, especially Hindu's, were upset by KKR's choice due to the ongoing atrocities against Hindus in the neighbouring country.
The BCB is expected to make a statement on the matter soon.
Bangladesh's interim leader, Nobel Peace Prize winner, Muhammad Yunus, has accused India of exaggerating the scale of the violence.
India and Bangladesh cricket boards had postponed a white-ball bilateral series last year. The Bangladesh Cricket Board, on Friday, said the series will be played there in September this year, but there's no commitment from the BCCI on the schedule yet.
The Indian board remains non-committal to the schedule and is unlikely to agree to it if the political situation doesn't improve.
The 19th edition of the IPL begins on March 26.
Sticking with the same sport, The Jammu and Kashmir Police on Friday ordered a preliminary enquiry after a cricketer from south Kashmir wore a helmet with the Palestinian flag during a private cricket tournament match in Jammu, a police spokesperson said.
A video and photos of the cricketer, Furqan Ul Haq, were circulated online after he was seen displaying the flag on his helmet during the Jammu and Kashmir Champions League.
"Yesterday, a video circulating on social media showed a cricket player, Furqan Ul Haq, resident of Tangipuna, Pulwama, playing cricket at K C Door in Muthi, while displaying a Palestine logo on his helmet," the spokesperson said.
He said that in view of the "sensitivity of the matter and its potential public order implications," a 14-day preliminary enquiry under Section 173(3) of the BNSS has been initiated at the Domana police station to ascertain the facts, intent and background of the individual and "any possible linkages."
Police officials were quoted as saying that the questioning is aimed at ascertaining the circumstances under which the flag was displayed during the match.
Sources have said that the organiser of the tournament has also been summoned for questioning in connection with the incident. Police are seeking to determine whether any permissions were taken, whether tournament guidelines were violated and the intent behind displaying the flag during a sporting event.
Officials said the tournament is a privately organised local league and is not affiliated with any national or international cricket body. The police have maintained that no action has been taken so far and that the current step is limited to questioning and verification of facts.
"Police is verifying the facts and investigating the matter," a senior official said, adding that further steps, if any, will be decided only after the questioning is completed and all relevant details are examined.
The incident has triggered discussions locally over the display of political or international symbols in sports events. Authorities, however, stressed that the investigation is at a preliminary stage and urged people not to speculate until the inquiry is concluded.
The tournament started on 29 December in Jammu (a city in India). The Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association maintained that it has no role, engagement or association with the tournament, as it is a private affair and not recognised by the association.
Furqan Bhat was representing a team called JK11 against Jammu Trailblazers on Wednesday. A clip then began circulating on social media that quickly went viral, showing him wearing the helmet with a Palestine flag printed on it.
The Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) has distanced itself from the tournament, saying itâs a private event wherein even spectators arenât allowed.
"The JKCA has nothing to do with this tournament. It is a privately organised event which involves local players, and strangely, even spectators are not allowed. The incident was brought to our attention, but it is being handled by the local police. They will take necessary action because it is not under our jurisdiction," Brigadier Anil Gupta, who is in charge of JKCA, was quoted as saying by the publication.
BJP MLA R.S Pathania has slammed the incident claiming it was done to promote a "subversive agenda" and urged the authorities "to conduct a detailed probe into the matter."
"An unsavoury incident has come to the fore today where a local cricketer from Kashmir was seen wearing a Palestinian flag on his cricket helmet. To sum it up very clearly and categorically, we think this is a nasty attempt to use a cricket ground as a platform for promoting a subversive agenda, or it shows absolute obliviousness to the Indian stance," Pathania was quoted as saying
This is the second cricket league in the UT to be hit with controversy, following the collapse of the privately-run Indian Heaven Premier League (IHPL), whose organisers allegedly fled Srinagar on 1 November after duping players, officials, broadcasters and hoteliers.
The IHPL, which began on 25 October at Srinagar's Bakshi Stadium with international stars such as Chris Gayle, Martin Guptill and Thisara Perera, folded after only 12 of the 27 scheduled matches, leaving around 60 cricketers - including former India players Praveen Kumar, Iqbal Abdullah and Parvez Rasool - along with umpires and staff, stranded.
Finally, in WWE, professional wrestling legend, Mick Foley, says he's cutting ties with World Wrestling Entertainment over the organisation's support of Donald Trump, citing the president's "incredibly cruel comments in the wake of Rob Reinerâs death" as the "final straw."
Reiner and his wife appeared to have died from stab wounds. Reiner and his wife were found dead in their home on 14 December. The coupleâs 32-year-old son, Nick Reiner, was arrested on a murder charge and is being held without bail.
On Tuesday, the Los Angeles District Attorneyâs office announced it was filing charges against Nick with two counts of first-degree murder. If convicted, he could face life in prison without parole or the death penalty.
Foley wrote: "While I have been concerned about WWEâs close relationship with Donald Trump for several months â especially in light of his administrationâs ongoing cruel and inhumane treatment of immigrants (and pretty much anyone who âlooks like an immigrantâ) â reading the Presidentâs incredibly cruel comments in the wake of Rob Reinerâs death is the final straw for me."
"While I have been concerned about WWEâs close relationship with Donald Trump for several months â especially in light of his administrationâs ongoing cruel and inhumane treatment of immigrants (and pretty much anyone who âlooks like an immigrantâ) â reading the Presidentâs incredibly cruel comments in the wake of Rob Reinerâs death is the final straw for me," Foley wrote.
"Last night, I informed @WWE talent relations that I would not be making any appearances for the company as long as this man remains in office," Foley continued. "Additionally, I will not be signing a new Legends deal when my current one expires in June. I love WWE, will always treasure my time with them, and I am deeply appreciative for all the opportunities they afforded me."
"But, in the words of Popeye the sailor, âI stands all I can stands, and I canât stands no more,'" Foley concluded his post.
Trump has had a long, close relationship with WWE, famously feuding on screen with former company CEO, Vince McMahon.
Linda McMahon, Vince McMahon's wife, is Trump's education secretary and headed the Small Business Administration in Trump's first term.
In a post on Instagram, Foley said he no longer wishes to represent "a company that coddles a man so seemingly void of compassion as he marches our country toward autocracy." As a result, Foley said he would no longer represent WWE or make any appearances for the company as long as Trump remains in office.
Disgraced WWE co-founder, Vince McMahon, is a known long-time friend of Trump, though he's no longer directly affiliated with the company. McMahon's wife, Linda, is currently Trump's Secretary of Education. Their son-in-law, WWE Chief Content Officer, Paul "Triple-H" Levesque, is part of the president's "fitness council."
Foley â who also wrestled under the aliases Mankind, Cactus Jack and Dude Love â was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2013, part of the class that included Trump.
Foley has continued to maintain his affiliation with the WWE following his retirement. He worked as the Raw general manager from 2016 to 2017 and has made numerous appearances on WWE Raw.
I've said it once and I'll say it again, politics bore me. It has zero room in sports. It just ruins it. It can alter the way things are run. I think the most impactful aspect is the financial sector, as seen by KKR. If this trend continues, sport might cease to exist.