T20 World Cup 2026 / Mohammad Nabi Lashes Out Over Mustafizur Rahman Question in Bangladesh

Mohammad Nabi, the seasoned Afghan all-rounder and a respected figure in the cricketing world, currently representing the Noakhali Express team in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), recently found himself embroiled in controversy following an unexpected and intense outburst during a press conference, while the incident occurred when a journalist posed a question concerning the highly sensitive and contentious issue surrounding Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman. Nabi, who had already been a focal point of media attention and public discussion for his recent historic achievement – becoming the first father to bat alongside his 19-year-old son, Hasan Esaakhil, in a professional T20 match – was visibly uncomfortable, agitated, and ultimately enraged by this particular line of questioning, while his strong reaction, delivered in sharp and unequivocal terms to the journalist, was clearly captured on camera. This video clip rapidly disseminated across social media platforms and cricket news channels, quickly making the incident a subject of widespread debate. And leaving many to wonder what specific inquiry could provoke such a strong reaction from a player typically known for his calm demeanor. The event not only highlighted his personal frustration but also underscored the complex dynamics often at play between athletes and the media in the high-stakes world of professional cricket.

The Provocative Question and Nabi's Sharp, Unambiguous Response

During the press briefing, a journalist directly questioned Mohammad Nabi about the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) decision to exclude Mustafizur Rahman from the Indian Premier League (IPL). Specifically, the journalist inquired whether Nabi personally believed that the treatment meted. Out to Mustafizur Rahman was justified or if the decision was appropriate. Upon hearing this question, Mohammad Nabi's composure visibly fractured, and his face clearly displayed signs of anger and exasperation. Without any hesitation or equivocation, he delivered his response in extremely sharp and unambiguous terms. Nabi, visibly agitated, retorted, "What does this question have to do with me? What do I've to do with Mustafizur Rahman? This question isn't related to me, so why should I answer it? " Nabi's statement unequivocally conveyed his profound displeasure, his firm resolve to completely distance himself from the contentious issue, and his clear stance that he felt no obligation to comment on a matter he deemed outside his personal or professional purview, while his unexpected and vocal reaction stunned all the journalists and attendees present at the press conference, and the incident subsequently ignited a new debate within the cricketing community regarding the boundaries of what players should and shouldn't be expected to comment on.

ICC's Resolute Rejection and the Latest Report on T20 World Cup Venue Changes

The controversy surrounding Mustafizur Rahman is rooted in the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) stern and politically charged decision to exclude him from the prestigious Indian Premier League (IPL). The BCCI took this significant step as a direct protest against the alleged killings of Hindus in Bangladesh, while this decision introduced an unexpected and palpable tension into the cricketing relations between India and Bangladesh, potentially impacting sports diplomacy between the two nations. The BCCI's stance was that at a time when alleged atrocities were being committed against a minority community in Bangladesh, it would be morally inappropriate and potentially against public sentiment in India to include a Bangladeshi player in its premier league. Following this decisive action, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) formally appealed to the International Cricket Council (ICC), pleading for all their T20 World Cup 2026 matches scheduled to be held in India to be relocated to Sri Lanka, which has been designated as the tournament's co-host. The BCB's argument was that given the prevailing social and political circumstances, ensuring the safety and mental well-being of their players in India might prove challenging, and So, playing at a neutral venue would be a more appropriate and secure option for their team. However, the International Cricket Council (ICC) resolutely and unequivocally rejected the emotional and politically charged appeal made by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB).

The ICC made its position abundantly clear, stating that Bangladesh would be required to play their T20 World Cup matches according to the predetermined schedule and at the originally designated venues, with no alterations whatsoever. The ICC likely prioritized the integrity of the global tournament, the. Pre-established logistical arrangements, and the agreements made with the host nation. Despite this firm rejection, a glimmer of new hope emerged within the cricketing fraternity when a recent report from Cricbuzz surfaced, introducing a new dimension to the matter, while according to this report, while there is still a possibility of changes to Bangladesh's T20 World Cup match venues, this alteration won't involve a relocation to Sri Lanka, as the BCB had initially requested. Instead, the report suggested that these matches could be internally relocated within India itself, while specifically, they might be moved from major and bustling cities like Kolkata and Mumbai to other Indian cities such as Chennai and Thiruvananthapuram. This potential internal relocation could be driven by security concerns, improved logistical management, or other operational reasons, but it distinctly differs from the BCB's original demand and offers a viable solution within India's borders.

Mohammad Nabi and Son Hasan Esaakhil Etch Their Names in Cricket History

Mohammad Nabi's outburst at the press conference occurred at a time when he was already. The focal point of discussion within the cricketing world for an extraordinary and historic achievement. On January 11, during a thrilling and memorable Bangladesh Premier League match against Dhaka Capitals, Nabi shared the crease with his 19-year-old son, Hasan Esaakhil, while this event marked a significant milestone in cricket history, as it was the first instance of a father and son batting together in the same professional T20 match. It was a moment that uniquely highlighted the familial bonds and generational connections within the sport, capturing the attention of cricket enthusiasts worldwide. In this particular match, Mohammad Nabi played a crucial innings of 17 runs, showcasing his experience and composure. More importantly, he forged a solid and decisive 53-run partnership for the fourth wicket with his son, Hasan. This partnership not only contributed Importantly to their team's total but also established a new record for the highest fourth-wicket stand for the Noakhali Express team in. T20 cricket, thereby permanently etching the names of this father-son duo into the record books and securing them a special place in the annals of the game.

Hasan Esaakhil's Explosive Individual Performance and Emerging Stardom

In that historic encounter, Mohammad Nabi's son, Hasan Esaakhil, not only contributed to a record-breaking partnership with his father but also captivated everyone with his individual performance, proving his mettle. The young Hasan, opening the batting, played an explosive and impressive innings that clearly showcased his burgeoning talent. He faced just 60 balls and scored a magnificent 92 runs, an innings that included 5 towering sixes and 7 exquisitely timed fours. Hasan's remarkable knock wasn't only a significant personal milestone in his budding career but also became the highest individual score ever recorded by any Noakhali Express batsman in T20 cricket, while this young player demonstrated exceptional talent, confidence, and an innate ability to hit big shots, making it abundantly clear that he's an emerging star for the future and possesses the potential to carry forward his father's cricketing legacy. The stellar performances of both father and son not only made that match a record-breaking event but also provided a memorable. Experience for cricket fans, witnessing a new generation of player make his mark and inspiring hopes for the future of the sport.

Respect for Nabi & Afghanistan +9999 📈

Afghan cricketer Md. Nabi, who is currently playing in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), was asked about Mustafizur Rahman being released from the IPL.
Nabi got angry and refused to comment on the matter. 😡🤬

🇮🇳 🩷 🇦🇫 pic.twitter.com/FoRFkPwpMy

— Jara (@JARA_Memer) January 12, 2026