The recent directive from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) instructing Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman from their squad for the upcoming IPL season has stirred considerable controversy. Amidst the ensuing backlash, former Indian cricketer Atul Wassan has voiced his opinion, stating that blaming KKR co-owner Shah Rukh Khan for Rahman's exit is unfair. Wassan argues that removing one player will not significantly impact the broader issues at play.
The decision to drop Rahman came after KKR acquired him for INR 9.20 crore at the IPL auction in December. This acquisition immediately drew criticism from various political and religious figures in India, citing alleged atrocities against Hindu minorities in Bangladesh and perceived anti-India sentiments.
Uttar Pradesh BJP leader Sangeet Singh Som labeled Shah Rukh Khan a "traitor" for signing a player from Bangladesh, a country he claimed was "working against India". Som went on to say that Rahman wouldn't be allowed to leave the airport if he came to India to play in the IPL. Similarly, Hindu spiritual leader Jagadguru Swami Rambhadracharya also called Khan a "traitor" for the decision. Shiv Sena (UBT) referred to Bangladeshis as "enemies" and urged KKR to select Indian players instead.
Amidst the criticism, the BCCI stepped in and instructed KKR to release Rahman. The franchise confirmed that the decision was made following the board's instructions. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia stated the decision was due to "recent developments," and KKR would be allowed to sign a replacement player.
The All India Imam Association (AIAA) president Maulana Sajid Rashidi defended Shah Rukh Khan, stating that he acquired the player under BCCI rules and regulations. Rashidi added that the decision to drop Rahman should have been made before the auction, as the situation in Bangladesh was known. Congress MP Manickam Tagore condemned the "traitor" remarks against Khan, calling it an "attack on India's pluralism".
The controversy has sparked discussions about the intersection of sports, politics, and national sentiments. Some argue that including a player from a country where Hindus are allegedly persecuted hurts national sentiments. Others argue that sports should be kept separate from politics and that targeting Khan is unfair. Some have also questioned why similar objections weren't raised when India played cricket with Pakistan, even after terror incidents.
Rahman, a 30-year-old left-arm fast-medium bowler, has a notable IPL record, having taken 65 wickets in 60 matches since his debut in 2016. He has previously played for Sunrisers Hyderabad, Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals, Delhi Capitals, and Chennai Super Kings.
KKR's release of Rahman raises questions about the future of Bangladeshi players in the IPL and the potential impact on India-Bangladesh relations. It also brings into focus the role of the BCCI in navigating sensitive political and social issues within the context of the IPL.
