Playing Cricket in India Currently Impossible, Says Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul

Speaking to journalists after visiting the BFF headquarters on Monday, he clarified the government’s firm stance on security concerns.

The Adviser noted that the hostile environment persisting for the past 16 months has made India an unsuitable venue for cricket. He cited the exclusion of Mustafizur Rahman from his IPL franchise, allegedly influenced by BCCI, as evidence of external interference in the sport. He emphasized that cricket should be free from the dominance of any single nation’s market interests.

While BCB has already formally requested the ICC to shift matches to a neutral venue like Sri Lanka, rumors suggest the ICC might propose alternative cities within India, such as Chennai or Thiruvananthapuram. Rejecting this, Asif Nazrul asserted that the security risk applies to the entire country, not just specific cities. He urged the ICC to act as a truly global governing body by considering venues in Sri Lanka, Pakistan, or the UAE. A final response from the ICC regarding this security concern is expected by early next week.