Spiritual leader Devkinandan Thakur has broken his silence regarding Shah Rukh Khan's inclusion of a Bangladeshi player, Mustafizur Rahman, in his IPL team, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), sparking a nationwide debate. Thakur's criticism centers around the alleged persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh and whether it is appropriate for an Indian entity, particularly one owned by a prominent figure like Shah Rukh Khan, to financially support a player from that nation.
Thakur, a renowned 'Kathavachak,' voiced his concerns to news outlets, stating that the inclusion of a Bangladeshi cricketer in KKR has offended the sentiments of Hindus across India. He highlighted reports of ongoing atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh, including murder, rape, and the burning of homes. "In Bangladesh, even as I speak to you, Hindus are continuously being persecuted, and attempts are being made to kill them," Thakur told IANS.
Addressing Shah Rukh Khan directly, Thakur made a pointed remark about the actor's rise to fame and fortune in India. "This country made you a hero, a superstar, and gave you so much power that you own a cricket team. What were you before? You worked in a TV serial, earning Rs 500-1000 a day," Thakur stated. He implied that Khan's success was directly linked to the support of the Indian people and that he should be mindful of their sentiments. Thakur questioned whether including a player from Bangladesh, given the circumstances, was "not hurting the sentiments of Hindus, their religion, and the sentiments of 100 crore Hindus of the country?".
Thakur went on to suggest a remedy, proposing that KKR remove the Bangladeshi player from the team. He further suggested that the ₹9.20 crore (approximately $1.1 million USD) allocated to the player be instead donated to the families of Hindu children affected by violence in Bangladesh. He argued that this gesture would demonstrate remorse and respect for Hindu society. "As a gesture of apology and remorse, Rs 9.2 crore, which is being given to that cricketer, should be given to the families of the Hindu children," Thakur stated.
The spiritual leader also appealed to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to consider barring Bangladeshi players from participating in the IPL, citing concerns over the alleged violence against Hindu minorities in Bangladesh. He warned that failure to address these concerns could lead to a boycott of KKR. "No Bangladeshi cricketer should play in the IPL. The money earned here should not be used in a way that causes our Hindu brothers and sisters to suffer," he asserted.
Thakur's statements have ignited a political firestorm, drawing reactions from various factions. BJP leader Sangeet Som has even gone so far as to label Shah Rukh Khan a "traitor," accusing him of investing in players from a country "working against India". Som alleged that Hindus in Bangladesh are facing severe persecution and that associating with players from that country is unacceptable. Conversely, some have criticized the criticism, suggesting that it is rooted in anti-Muslim sentiment and a misunderstanding of constitutional principles. Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam requested Khan to remove Rahman from his team, saying it would be for “his own good and will also protect India's interests". The controversy continues to unfold, raising questions about the intersection of sports, politics, and religious sentiments in India.
