Agartala : Royal scion of Tripura and founder of the Tipra Motha Party, Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma, on Friday launched a sharp attack on the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) over the ?9.20 crore acquisition of Bangladeshi cricketer Mustafizur Rahman, alleging continued neglect of talented players from India’s Northeast.

In a strongly worded statement, Debbarma questioned why cricketers from the region, including Tripura’s Manisankar Murasingh, continue to be overlooked despite consistent performances, while foreign players are bought at hefty prices.

“When a Bangladeshi cricketer gets ?9.20 crore and our own talented cricketers from Tripura and the Northeast are ignored, we as Indians must ask-are we bending over too much?” he said.

Referring to recent developments in Bangladesh, the Tipra Motha chief cited attacks on Hindu minorities and protests allegedly directed against India.

“There have been threats outside our embassy, minorities have been attacked, and hateful statements have been made about breaking the Northeast into pieces. Despite all this, are we comfortable giving crores of rupees to citizens of that country?” Debbarma asked.

He also questioned what he termed an inconsistency in India’s approach towards neighbouring countries.

“India boycotts Pakistan citing national sentiment and security, but business continues as usual with Bangladesh. What is the logic? Is business more important than national security and self-respect?” he said.

Debbarma further remarked that his party appears to be among the few political voices openly raising the issue, questioning the silence of others. “Aren’t we Indians first? Why are others quiet on this matter?” he asked.

Calling upon the IPL and the BCCI to reassess their priorities, Debbarma said the cricket board, being the richest in the world, must seriously introspect. “The BCCI must decide what comes first-national respect and security, or just business,” he said.

His remarks have reignited debate over the representation of cricketers from the Northeast at the national level and the broader intersection of sport, commerce and national sentiment.