Tripura politician Debbarma criticises Rs 9.20cr IPL signing of Bangladeshi bowler Mustafiz
Debbarma raised objections to the R9.20 crore acquisition of Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman, arguing that expensive foreign signings reduce opportunities for domestic cricketers, particularly from India’s North East
Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma, founder of the Tipra Motha Party and royal scion of India's northeastern state of Tripura, criticised the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on 20 December over what he described as skewed recruitment priorities.
Debbarma raised objections to the Rs9.20 crore acquisition of Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman, arguing that expensive foreign signings reduce opportunities for domestic cricketers, particularly from India's North East. He said players from the region continue to be overlooked despite consistent performances, says India Today NE.
He pointed to Tripura all-rounder Manisankar Murasingh as an example, saying the player has not received adequate recognition from the national cricketing establishment. Debbarma questioned the rationale of allocating large sums to overseas players while regional Indian talent remains marginalised.
Beyond cricketing considerations, Debbarma also linked the issue to broader geopolitical and security concerns involving Bangladesh. He referred to recent attacks on Hindu minorities in the country, protests near the Indian embassy and rhetoric that he said could threaten stability in India's northeastern states.
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Debbarma further questioned what he described as inconsistencies in India's approach to regional relations, asking why sporting and commercial engagement with Bangladesh continues while ties with Pakistan remain restricted on national security grounds.
He urged the BCCI, the world's richest cricket board, to reflect on whether commercial interests are being prioritised over national security considerations and the development of domestic talent.
His remarks have added to an ongoing debate over the representation of athletes from India's North East in national sports and the balance between business interests, talent development and foreign policy considerations in Indian cricket.
