‘Wont allow him to…’: Shahrukh Khan and KKR facing massive backlash ahead of IPL 2026 due to…
New Delhi: A political and religious controversy is escalating in India after the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) bought Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman for ₹9.2 crore in the IPL 2026 auction. Several political parties and religious organizations have reacted sharply to the decision. Critics allege that including a Bangladeshi player in the team, amid alleged atrocities against Hindus and minorities in Bangladesh, goes against national sentiment. KKR co-owner and Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan is at the center of this controversy.
Shiv Sena (UBT) expresses strong opposition
The Shiv Sena (UBT) has taken the most aggressive stance against the decision. Party spokesperson Anand Dubey warned of protests if Mustafizur Rahman is allowed to play in the IPL. He stated that the issue is not merely about sports but concerns national sentiment and security. Dubey demanded that Shah Rukh Khan remove the player from the team, calling Bangladesh and Pakistan enemies of India.
AIMIM questions double standards
AIMIM national spokesperson Waris Pathan condemned the violence against Hindu minorities in Bangladesh but questioned the protests surrounding the sporting event. He argued that if cricket matches can be played between India and Pakistan, then targeting a single player or franchise is wrong. Pathan also stated that matches played for money raise questions about the country’s dignity.
Saints and BJP leaders launch scathing attacks
The controversy intensified when several Hindu saints and BJP leaders directly attacked Shah Rukh Khan. Jagadguru Swami Rambhadracharya called Shah Rukh Khan a “traitor,” while Devkinandan Thakur alleged that KKR had ignored the suffering of Hindus in Bangladesh. He demanded that the player be removed and his fees be given to the victimized families. Former BJP MLA Sangeet Som even called Shah Rukh Khan a traitor to the nation at a public meeting.
Opposition and minority leaders appeal for restraint
On the other hand, opposition leaders and minority representatives have appealed for restraint on the entire issue. Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge questioned why the BCCI and ICC are not being questioned if there are objections to Bangladeshi players. West Bengal Minister Ujjal Biswas said that sports and politics should be kept separate and that it is wrong to create a controversy over a player selected according to the rules.
Story Highlights
- Controversy across the country over KKR buying Mustafizur Rahman for ₹9.2 crore
- Shiv Sena (UBT), BJP, and several religious leaders directly attack Shah Rukh Khan
- AIMIM and the opposition raise questions about double standards in selection
- Reports of threats of protests at IPL matches if the player is allowed to play