New Delhi, Jan. 3 -- The Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) directive to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Bangladesh cricketer Mustafizur Rahman has triggered sharp and contrasting political reactions into the spotlight. KKR have since released Mustafizur following the board's instruction.

Former India captain and Telangana minister Mohammed Azharuddin supported the BCCI's stand, saying the board had acted responsibly.

"The board hasn't done anything wrong. What's happening in Bangladesh is not good. But in sports, it's different. However, whatever decision the board has taken, they must have taken it after talking with the people of the ministry, Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Home Affairs," Azharudd...