Royal scion of Tripura and Tipra Motha Party founder Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma on December 20 raised sharp questions over the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) after Bangladeshi cricketer Mustafizur Rahman was bought for ₹9.20 crore, alleging continued neglect of talented players from the North East.
In a strong statement, Debbarma asked why Indian cricketers from the region, including Tripura’s Manisankar Murasingh, continue to be ignored despite delivering consistent performances, while overseas players command hefty price tags.
“When a Bangladeshi cricketer is sold for ₹9.20 crore and our own talented players from Tripura and the North East are overlooked, we must ask ourselves as Indians—are we bending over too much?” he said.
Debbarma also referred to recent developments in Bangladesh, mentioning attacks on Hindu minorities and protests that he claimed were directed against India.
“There have been threats outside our embassy, minorities have been attacked, and statements have been made about breaking the North East into pieces. In such a situation, are we comfortable paying crores of rupees to citizens of that country?” he asked.
Questioning what he termed as inconsistency in India’s stance towards neighbouring countries, Debbarma said that while India cites national security and public sentiment to justify a boycott of Pakistan, business dealings with Bangladesh continue without disruption.
“What is the logic? Is business more important than national security and self-respect?” he asked.
The Tipra Motha leader further said his party seemed to be among the few political voices raising the issue openly and questioned the silence of others. “Aren’t we Indians first? Why is everyone else quiet?” he asked.
Calling for introspection within cricket’s governing bodies, Debbarma said the BCCI, being the richest cricket board in the world, must decide what takes priority. “Is it national dignity and security, or just business?” he said.
His remarks have once again brought the spotlight on the lack of representation of North Eastern cricketers at the national level and the broader debate around sports, commerce and national sentiment.