In January 2026, veteran Afghanistan all-rounder Mohammad Nabi made headlines for a heated exchange with a reporter during a post-match press conference in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL).
Representing the Noakhali Express alongside his son, Hassan Eisakhil, Nabi was visibly infuriated when a Bangladeshi journalist asked for his opinion on the high-profile controversy involving pacer Mustafizur Rahman and the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
The “President,” as Nabi is affectionately known, refused to be a pawn in the brewing diplomatic and sporting row, responding sharply in Hindi: “Iska mere se kya lena dena bhai? Mera Mustafizur se kya kaam hai? Politics me kya kaam hai mera?” (What do I have to do with this, brother?
What is my connection to Mustafizur? What is my business with politics?). Fans widely praised Nabi’s refusal to comment as a masterclass in maintaining professional boundaries amid a sensitive geopolitical standoff.
Context of the Controversy: The Mustafizur-KKR Fallout
The controversy Nabi was asked to address is one of the most significant disruptions in IPL history. In December 2025, KKR had secured Mustafizur Rahman for a staggering ₹9.20 crore at the auction.
However, in early January 2026, the BCCI reportedly directed KKR to release the pacer. This decision was largely seen as a reaction to heightened tensions between India and Bangladesh following reports of civil unrest and the targeting of minority communities in Bangladesh in late 2025. The fallout has been extensive:
Broadcasting Ban: The Bangladesh government responded to Mustafizur’s release by imposing a blanket ban on IPL 2026 telecasts within the country.
World Cup Standoff: The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has written to the ICC twice, requesting that their 2026 T20 World Cup matches be moved out of India to Sri Lanka, citing security concerns.
PSL Move: Following his exit from the IPL, Mustafizur has reportedly signed with the Pakistan Super League (PSL) for their upcoming season.
Nabi’s Stand: Professionalism over Politics
Nabi’s “blast” at the reporter was not just a moment of anger but a calculated effort to protect the dressing room environment of the BPL. By stating that his job was to play cricket and not engage in “politics,” Nabi highlighted the difficult position international cricketers often find themselves in when sporting decisions are influenced by bilateral relations. While he acknowledged that Mustafizur is a “good bowler,” he insisted that the line of questioning was entirely irrelevant to his role as an overseas player in a domestic league. This incident has added another layer to the narrative surrounding the 2026 cricket season, which is currently dominated by the “Cold War” between the Indian and Bangladeshi cricket boards.
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