Afghanistan's seasoned all-rounder Mohammad Nabi is currently playing for Noakhali Express in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). During a post-match press conference after his team's victory, a reporter's question made Nabi lose his composure. When asked for his response to the controversy surrounding Mustafizur Rahman, Nabi clearly stated that he had no connection to the issue, hence such questions were irrelevant.
Mohammad Nabi clarified that while he does not dispute Mustafizur Rahman being a talented bowler, the nature of the questions directed at him did not concern him. Nabi remarked, 'What's this got to do with me, brother? What is my involvement with Mustafizur? What role do I play in politics?'
Recent tensions between Bangladesh and India reached a peak when the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) released Mustafizur Rahman from their team on the directive of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The franchise had purchased Mustafizur for 9.20 crore rupees during the IPL mini-auction in December 2025.
Following the rise in tension, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has appealed to the International Cricket Council (ICC) to hold their T20 World Cup 2026 matches outside India, particularly in Sri Lanka. The BCB has reiterated their request but is still awaiting a response from the ICC, citing security concerns about traveling to India. However, shifting the matches at such short notice seems unlikely according to ICC considerations.
The 20-team tournament is scheduled to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8, 2026. Bangladesh has been placed in Group C alongside Nepal, Italy, England, and the West Indies. Bangladesh's first match is set against the West Indies on February 7 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. The squad for Bangladesh's T20 World Cup campaign has already been announced.
Full Squad for Bangladesh T20 World Cup 2026:
Liton Kumar Das (captain), Saif Hasan (vice-captain), Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Towhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Nurul Hasan Sohan, Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Shoriful Islam, and Mohammad Saifuddin.
Bangladesh's T20 World Cup Group Matches
February 7, vs. West Indies, KolkataFebruary 9, vs. Italy, KolkataFebruary 14, vs. England, KolkataFebruary 17, vs. Nepal, Mumbai
