Former Afghanistan captain Mohammad Nabi was left frustrated by a journalist’s question on Mustafizur Rahman at a press conference during the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). Nabi felt that the question around Mustafizur getting dropped by Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) is not related to him. He does not wish to be caught up in the politics.
“Iska mere se kya lena dena bhai. Mera Mustafizur se kya kaam hai? Politics me kya kaam hai mera? (What does this (question) have to do with me? What do I have to do with Mustafizur? What do I have to do with politics?)" Nabi said at the press conference.
“I know he is a good bowler, all these things. But the way you are questioning, it’s not related to me."
Bangladesh government and their cricket board has taken several steps after Mustafizur was denied the Rs 9.2 crore contract. The Information & Broadcasting ministry was directed to suspend Indian Premier League (IPL) telecast. Also, BCB wrote a letter to the ICC seeking shifting out their T20 World Cup 2026 matches from India. They want to play their matches in Sri Lanka opting for a hybrid model like India-Pakistan. However, the request has been rejected by the ICC.
Father-son duo in BPL
Meanwhile, a 41-year-old Nabi has been named in Afghanistan’s squad for T20 World Cup 2026. He is gearing up for it by playing for Noakhali Express in BPL 2026. He is also enjoying playing alongside his 19-year-old son Hassan Eisakhil who scored a 60-ball 92 in the previous game, helping Noakhali beat Dhaka Capitals by 41 runs. Nabi performed with the ball, taking two wickets for 23 runs from his quota of four overs.
Nabi to play in preparatory series in Dubai
Before the T20 World Cup 2026, Nabi will be seen playing against Brandon King-led West Indies in the three-T20I series in Dubai, commencing on January 19.
Currently, Nabi is their most experienced players. He has most runs (2,417) for them in T20Is. Also, he is their second highest wicket-taker (104 wickets) after leg-spinner Rashid Khan.
Afghanistan have been placed in a tough Group D featuring New Zealand, South Africa, United Arab Emirates and Canada. They will begin their campaign against Mitchell Santner-led New Zealand on February 8 at Chennai's MA Chidambaram Stadium.