Shah Rukh Khan and Mustafizur Rahman (Image Agency) Political controversy has erupted over Kolkata Knight Riders’ decision to field Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman for the 2026 Indian Premier League season, with sections of the Bharatiya Janata Party and several religious groups raising strong objections. The backlash is rooted in current tensions in India-Bangladesh relations and growing concern over reports of violence in the neighboring country. The flashpoint came after KKR secured Mustafizur for Rs 9.20 crore in the IPL auction held in December. While the franchise saw the signing as a purely cricketing move, it quickly expanded into the political arena, especially as Kolkata will host several IPL matches next season.
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BJP leader Kaustav Bagchi has publicly warned against Bangladeshi players performing at matches held in the city. Bagchi issued a strongly worded statement: “If any Bangladeshi cricketer is part of the IPL team and wants to play a match in Kolkata, we will not allow him. We will not allow even Shah Rukh Khan to enter Kolkata.” He went further and connected the problem to wider geopolitical and social concerns. “Bangladeshi cricketers like Mustafizur Rahman will earn millions of money and other Bangladeshis will supply firearms and our Hindu brothers will be killed with these weapons. It cannot be run simultaneously,” Bagchi added. These remarks intensified the debate about the presence of overseas players from Bangladesh in the IPL, especially in light of reports highlighting attacks on Hindu minorities across the border. Religious groups echoed similar concerns, arguing that sporting involvement should not be divorced from the prevailing political and humanitarian situation.
