The West Bengal unit of the BJP has welcomed the BCCI’s directive to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from its 2026 IPL team and demanded that like Pakistani players are not allowed to play in India, Bangladeshi cricketers should also not be allowed to play in India.

“Like Pakistani cricketers are not allowed to play in India, Bangladeshi cricketers should not be allowed in India. That was a demand from the people of Kolkata, and the BCCI accepted it. I am grateful to the BCCI,” senior BJP leader Dilip Ghosh said. “We will not allow those people to play here who are against our country,” the former state BJP chief said.

Leader of Opposition and BJP MLA Suvendu Adhikari said, “BCCI must have put in a lot of thought before taking the decision in the best interest of the country, as the nation comes first. We should not get into this. Politics should not be brought into everything. We should allow the BCCI to function independently,” Adhikari told mediapersons in Purba Medinipur.

Meanwhile, Ghosh expressed concerns over the situation in the neighbouring country. “Whatever is happening in Bangladesh is not right for anyone. Our country is doing whatever is required to be done. Our people are sad about the atrocities on Hindus there. We want elections to take place in Bangladesh so that law and order get restored, and the tension along the border is minimised,” Ghosh added.