Aakash Chopra supports the BCCI in the midst of the India-Bangladesh dispute over Mustafizur Rahman.

Following a number of controversial administrative and sporting decisions, tensions in cricket between Bangladesh and India have increased in recent weeks. The conflict started when the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) ordered the Kolkata Knight Riders to release a fast bowler from Bangladesh in advance of the current Indian Premier League season. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) strongly objected to the action and wrote letters to the International Cricket Council (ICC) asking that their matches in the 2026 T20 World Cup not take place in India. The ICC has not yet responded to these communications.

Aakash Chopra, a former Indian cricket player, gave an exclusive commentary on the current state of affairs amidst this diplomatic and athletic tension.

is our domestic competition, so we have the authority to decide what happens there. The interests of the country come first. The BCCI has determined that players from this nation are not welcome to participate. It might be any nation, such as the Maldives or Pakistan. There was even a campaign called "India Out" in the Maldives. I am unable to invite cricket players from those nations to participate in my domestic tournament in such a situation," Chopra stated.

Chopra went on to explain the differences between domestic and international cricket, stressing that the BCCI's ruling only applies to the IPL. Every team is welcome to come and play a bilateral series if they so choose, he continued.

"I have always supported the BCCI in any decision it has made regarding domestic cricket. I'm competing in a domestic tournament. We haven't informed anyone that we won't travel or participate in bilateral series at the international level. Those who wish to go cannot be stopped by anyone. Anyone who wishes to go does so. The invitation is open to anyone who wishes to attend. Bangladesh will make the final decision. What interests them? It is up to them to decide whether or not to attend, he continued.

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After Director Nazrul Islam made disparaging remarks about Bangladeshi players, including calling them "Indian agents," the BCB also took internal action, dismissing him from his role as chairman of the finance committee. Two ICC representatives are reportedly planned to travel to Bangladesh to meet with board officials and talk about the persistent problems.