Dhaka, Feb. 5 -- Former England captain Nasser Hussain has thrown his weight behind Bangladesh and Pakistan in the ongoing T20 World Cup crisis, asserting that it is high time to halt the intrusion of politics into the sport.

Speaking on the Sky Cricket Podcast with fellow commentator Mike Atherton, Hussain praised Dhaka's refusal to bow to pressure and Islamabad's solidarity move.

"I liked that Bangladesh stood firm on their decision. They stood up for their player Mustafizur. I liked Pakistan's stance as well," Hussain said.

Tracing the crisis to its flashpoint, Hussain pinpointed the exclusion of Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL as the catalyst.

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