The article discusses how political tensions between India and Bangladesh have impacted cricket, specifically citing the Board of Control for Cricket in India's directive for Kolkata Knight Riders to withdraw Mustafizur Rahman from IPL 2026. This decision is framed against a backdrop of shifting political alliances and targeting of the Hindu minority in Bangladesh following a change in government. The piece highlights the historical cricketing ties and the influence of figures like Jagmohan Dalmiya in Bangladesh's Test status, contrasting it with current strained relations.