Leaders from the Shiv Sena (UBT), BJP and several Hindu religious groups have accused Shah Rukh Khan’s co-owned franchise of ignoring national sentiment by signing the Bangladesh international
BY PC Bureau
January 2, 2026: A political and religious controversy has erupted following IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) decision to sign Bangladeshi left-arm fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman for ₹9.2 crore at the IPL 2026 mini-auction held in December 2025. The move has drawn sharp criticism from several political leaders and Hindu religious figures, who have linked the signing to reports of violence against Hindu minorities in Bangladesh and accused the franchise of disregarding national sentiment.
KKR is co-owned by Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan, who has also come under attack from critics opposing the decision.
The backlash comes amid heightened concern in India over reports of attacks on Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh following political instability in 2024 and 2025. Various reports, including statements in Parliament and findings by human rights groups, have documented incidents of killings, temple vandalism and mob violence, though the scale and figures have been disputed. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar had earlier informed Parliament that over 2,400 incidents affecting minorities were reported in Bangladesh in 2024.
Among the strongest political reactions came from the Shiv Sena (UBT). Party spokesperson Anand Dubey warned of protests if the Bangladeshi cricketer is allowed to play in the IPL, stating that the issue went beyond sport. “If Shah Rukh Khan removes him from the team, we will respect him. But if he plays him and earns money, we will not allow it at any cost,” Dubey said, calling for a boycott of Bangladesh and Pakistan.
READ: Hindu Man Set on Fire in Bangladesh, Survives by Jumping Into Pond
Some BJP leaders also criticised the move. Uttar Pradesh BJP leader and former MLA Sangeet Som described the signing as insensitive in view of alleged violence against Hindus in Bangladesh and accused Shah Rukh Khan of betraying national interests. His remarks drew attention for their sharp and personal tone.
VIDEO | Haridwar: BJP leader Sangeet Som calls Shah Rukh Khan a ‘traitor’ after KKR buys Bangladeshi players in IPL.
(Full video available on PTI Videos- https://t.co/dv5TRAShcC) pic.twitter.com/Jqi6yNKHOz
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 1, 2026
Several Hindu spiritual leaders joined the criticism. Jagadguru Swami Rambhadracharya questioned Shah Rukh Khan’s intentions and described his actions as “treacherous”. Religious leader Devkinandan Thakur accused KKR of ignoring the suffering of Hindus in Bangladesh and urged the franchise to withdraw the signing, suggesting the contract amount be used to assist affected families.
The controversy has spilled over onto social media, with calls for protests, threats of demonstrations during IPL matches and demands by some groups for a broader ban on Bangladeshi players in the league.
Mumbai, Maharashtra: On KKR buying a Bangladeshi player, Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Anand Dubey says, “…If Shah Rukh Khan removes him from his team, we will all respect him, honor him, and give him due recognition. But if Shah Rukh Khan plays him and earns money, that money… pic.twitter.com/o5s1bAhyYV
— IANS (@ians_india) January 1, 2026
Not all reactions, however, have been critical. AIMIM national spokesperson Waris Pathan condemned violence against Hindu minorities in Bangladesh but questioned what he described as selective outrage in sports-related matters. Referring to past India–Pakistan cricket matches played despite political tensions, Pathan argued that sporting engagements have often been allowed to continue for commercial reasons.
As of early January 2026, there has been no official response from Shah Rukh Khan, KKR management or the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The episode highlights how sport, politics and geopolitics continue to intersect, particularly amid heightened sensitivities surrounding minority rights and regional relations.
