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Reactions to KKR signing Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman have sharply diverged, with Shiv Sena (UBT), BJP leaders and Hindu spiritual figures condemning the move.
File photos of Shah Rukh Khan/Mustafizur Rahman (PTI)
A sharp political and religious controversy has erupted over IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) picking Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman for Rs 9.2 crore at the IPL auction, with critics linking the decision to alleged atrocities against Hindus and minorities in Bangladesh.
The franchise is co-owned by Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan.
Shiv Sena (UBT) issued one of the strongest reactions, warning of protests if the Bangladeshi player is allowed to play.
Party spokesperson Anand Dubey said the issue went beyond sports, and national sentiment could not be ignored.
“If Shah Rukh Khan removes him from his team, we will all respect him, honour him, and give him due recognition. But if Shah Rukh Khan plays him and earns money, that money will be used to nurture terrorists there and conspire against our country. We will not allow this to happen at any cost,” Dubey said.
He further claimed, “Bangladesh and Pakistan are both our enemies. We will not remain calm without completely boycotting them.”
AIMIM national spokesperson Waris Pathan, while condemning violence against minorities in Bangladesh, questioned the selective outrage around sports.
“I condemn the atrocities being committed against the Hindu minorities in Bangladesh. Violence should not be done,” Pathan said.
However, he added, “When it comes to cricket, how does it matter who supports what? Some time ago, the Indian government allowed the India-Pakistan match. We had objected to it because Pakistan has been the biggest propagator of terrorism.”
“India still played a match against Pakistan for money. I reject the money which brings my country’s pride and dignity into question,” he said.
The controversy escalated further after Hindu spiritual leaders launched scathing attacks on Shah Rukh Khan.
Jagadguru Swami Rambhadracharya termed the actor and his actions treacherous.
“He is not a hero. Shah Rukh Khan does not have a character. His actions have been those of a traitor,” Rambhadracharya said.
Another spiritual leader, Devkinandan Thakur, accused KKR and Shah Rukh Khan of ignoring the plight of Hindus in Bangladesh.
“In Bangladesh, Hindus are being brutally murdered, their homes are being burned, and their sisters and daughters are being raped. After witnessing such brutal killings, how can someone be so heartless as to include a cricketer from that very country in his team?” Thakur said.
He demanded the player’s removal and added, “As a gesture of apology and remorse, Rs 9.2 crore, which is being given to that cricketer, should be given to the families of the Hindu children who are being killed there.”
BJP leaders echoed similar sentiments.
Former Uttar Pradesh MLA Sangeet Som called Shah Rukh Khan a “traitor” during a public event in Meerut.
“On one hand, Hindus are being killed in Bangladesh, and on the other hand, cricketers are being bought in the IPL. Such traitors have no right to live in this country,” Som said.
Meanwhile, the backlash also drew strong counter-reactions from minority leaders and opposition politicians.
Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge questioned why IPL franchises were being targeted instead of regulators.
“If a player is playing the IPL, it is because BCCI and IPL rules allow it,” Kharge said, asking why the BJP was not questioning the BCCI or ICC if it truly opposed Bangladeshi participation.
West Bengal Minister Ujjal Biswas said sports should not be politicised.
“Sports and politics are two separate issues, and if the player has already been selected, then there is nothing more that can be done,” he said.
Despite calls for restraint, the controversy has intensified, with reports of religious leaders threatening to disrupt IPL matches if the Bangladeshi pacer is allowed to play.
January 02, 2026, 08:48 IST
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