Post by : Saif Rahman

A political storm has erupted as Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), the IPL franchise co-owned by Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan, secured Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman during the IPL 2026 auction. The franchise acquired the talented cricketer for ₹9.20 crore, earning praise from cricket analysts but drawing sharp backlash from various political figures.

The selection sparked a heated discussion that extended beyond the realm of cricket. BJP and Congress leaders exchanged pointed remarks, correlating the inclusion of the player with sentiments of nationalism and India’s fraught relations with Bangladesh. Notably, the auction came on the heels of unsettling incidents involving Hindus in Bangladesh, intensifying the debate.

BJP member Sangeet Som did not hold back in criticizing Shah Rukh Khan, labeling him a “gaddar,” or traitor. He accused the actor of funneling money gained in India to support players from a nation he claimed is detrimental to Indian interests. Som further addressed alleged violence against Hindus in Bangladesh, asserting such issues warrant urgent attention. His statements were met with considerable media coverage and sparked varied reactions.

In a related plea, Shiv Sena’s Sanjay Nirupam urged Shah Rukh to reconsider Mustafizur Rahman’s position, citing an increase in public resentment toward Bangladesh. He warned that anyone associated with Bangladesh risks becoming a target of public anger and insisted that dropping the player would safeguard both national interests and the franchise’s reputation.

Adding to this discourse, Anand Dubey from Shiv Sena (UBT) escalated the conversation, advocating for a ban on Bangladeshi players in the IPL altogether. He contended that retaining the Bangladeshi cricketer contradicts national sentiments.

Conversely, Congress leaders rallied in defense of Shah Rukh Khan, denouncing the harsh criticism directed at him. Congress MP Manickam Tagore cautioned that labeling Khan a traitor undermines the pluralistic values that India holds dear. He emphasized that conflating hate with nationalism threatens to divide society.

Moreover, Congress leader Supriya Shrinate shifted the focus to cricket governance, questioning the decision to include Bangladeshi players in the IPL auction. She directed her criticism towards the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the International Cricket Council (ICC), indirectly pointing to ICC chief Jay Shah.

Meanwhile, cricket experts reminded the public that Mustafizur Rahman was chosen based on his sporting capabilities and past achievements. These analysts argue that IPL franchises routinely incorporate foreign talent based on need rather than political considerations.

This controversy underscores the intricate connections between sports, cinema, and politics in India. What began as a standard IPL auction choice has spiraled into a broader national dialogue about nationalism, tolerance, and the potential of sports to unify differing communities. The long-term impact of this debate on the IPL season and team dynamics remains uncertain.

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