Shah Rukh Khan's Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) find themselves embroiled in a significant controversy following their acquisition of Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman for ₹9.2 crore ahead of the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. The signing has triggered a wave of political and religious outrage, stemming from concerns over ongoing violence against Hindus in Bangladesh and historical tensions between the two nations.
The backlash has been intense, with prominent figures from various political and religious groups voicing their disapproval. Sangeet Som, a BJP leader, has publicly denounced Shah Rukh Khan as a "traitor" who has "no right to live in India". He further warned of potential consequences for Rahman upon his arrival in India for the IPL. Echoing this sentiment, Hindu spiritual leader Jagatguru Rambhadracharya has also labeled Khan a "traitor" and questioned his character, citing the alleged atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh. Another religious leader, Devkinandan Thakur, has criticized the move as "cruel" and claimed it hurts the sentiments of 100 crore Hindus.
Several religious organizations have threatened to disrupt IPL matches if Mustafizur Rahman is allowed to play. Mahavir Nath, a chief priest from Ujjain, has warned of potential pitch invasions and damage to the grounds, raising serious security concerns for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and IPL organizers.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) has also weighed in on the controversy, with spokesperson Anand Dubey suggesting that Rahman's IPL earnings could potentially fund "anti-India activities". Dubey stated that Shah Rukh Khan would be respected if he removes the player from the team.
Amidst the widespread criticism, some voices have emerged in support of Shah Rukh Khan. Congress MP Manickam Tagore condemned the "traitor" remarks, calling them an "attack on India's pluralism" and urging the RSS to stop "poisoning society".
The controversy has ignited a debate about the intersection of sports, politics, and cross-border relations. Questions are being raised about whether sport can remain insulated from geopolitical tensions and whether the BCCI should permit players from countries with strained relations with India to participate in the IPL. The situation presents a significant challenge for the BCCI, requiring them to navigate the sensitive political and religious sentiments while ensuring the safety and security of the tournament.
The incident also brings to light the complexities of the relationship between India and Bangladesh, particularly concerning the treatment of religious minorities. The controversy surrounding Mustafizur Rahman's signing underscores the delicate balance between promoting sporting ties and addressing concerns about human rights and communal harmony.
