Hyderabad, Jan. 6 -- The sudden decision of the Board of Control for Cricket India (BCCI) to ask Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Bangladesh cricketer Mustafizur Rahman has created a furore in cricket and resulted in an international-level debate on the matter. The whole issue has put the spotlight on how geopolitical reasons are increasingly exerting an influence on cricket administration and scheduling in modern times.

The left-arm fast bowler was acquired by the three-time champions KKR, co-owned by Shah Rukh Khan, for a sum of Rs 9.20 crore in the mini auction. But in the last few weeks, KKR came under huge pressure to release the player because of the attacks on minorities being reported daily in the neighbouring country. In t...