KKR’s Bangladeshi Player Pick Sparks Political Row, Draws Shah Rukh Khan In
BJP leaders and Hindu religious figures criticise IPL franchise over Mustafizur Rahman’s inclusion; opposition and Muslim leaders defend actor, cite law and Constitution
India, Dec 02 : A political controversy has erupted after IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) selected Bangladeshi cricketer Mustafizur Rahman, dragging Bollywood actor and team co-owner Shah Rukh Khan into an intense public and political debate.
The backlash began when Hindu religious leader Devkinandan Thakur questioned KKR’s decision, citing reports of violence against Hindus in Bangladesh. His remarks soon triggered a wider political reaction, drawing responses from BJP leaders, opposition politicians, and Muslim religious organisations.
BJP leaders escalate criticism
The controversy intensified on Thursday after BJP leader Sangeet Singh Som accused Shah Rukh Khan of betraying the country by associating with a Bangladeshi player.
Speaking to ANI, Som alleged that Hindus in Bangladesh were facing persecution and claimed that investing in players from a country he described as “working against India” was unacceptable.
“People like Shah Rukh Khan are traitors; they eat in India and sing praises of Pakistan and Bangladesh,” Som said, adding that Mustafizur Rahman would not be allowed to play in India and “would not be able to step outside the airport”.
Similar remarks were made by Hindu spiritual leader Jagadguru Swami Rambhadracharya, who questioned the actor’s character and actions.
“He is not a hero. Shah Rukh Khan does not have a character. His actions have been those of a traitor,” Rambhadracharya said.
Reiterating his criticism, Devkinandan Thakur questioned how a team owner could sign a Bangladeshi player at a time when, he claimed, Hindus were facing attacks in the neighbouring country. He demanded that the cricketer be removed from the team and suggested the reported fee be redirected to families affected by the violence.
Opposition, Muslim leaders defend actor
The remarks drew sharp condemnation from opposition leaders and Muslim religious bodies.
Congress MP Manickam Tagore termed the attacks on Shah Rukh Khan an assault on India’s plural ethos. In a post on X, he said, “Calling superstar Shah Rukh Khan a ‘traitor’ is an attack on India’s pluralism. Hate cannot define nationalism.”
Congress leader Tariq Anwar also defended the actor, pointing out that Shah Rukh Khan has starred in several films centred on patriotic themes and enjoys global recognition. He said the inclusion of foreign players in the IPL follows approvals by cricketing authorities and complies with international regulations.
Muslim leaders echoed similar views. Imam Association president Maulana Sajid Rashidi said objections often arise whenever Muslim names are involved, stressing that lawful sporting decisions cannot be challenged based on identity.
All India Muslim Jamaat president Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi said Indian Muslims were equally concerned about the safety of minorities in Bangladesh but stressed that entering into a sporting contract did not amount to betrayal.
“This cannot be justified under any circumstances,” he said, referring to the accusations against the actor.
No response from IPL authorities
The controversy unfolds amid heightened tensions following recent reports of violence against Hindus in Bangladesh, which have sparked protests and political reactions in India. IPL authorities and KKR management have not issued any official statement on the matter so far.
