The inclusion of Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman in the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Kolkata Knight Riders, co-owned by actor Shah Rukh Khan, has triggered a political and religious controversy in Maharashtra, with several leaders and spiritual figures accusing the actor of insensitivity toward national and religious sentiments.
The controversy erupted after Shah Rukh Khan bid ₹9.20 crore to acquire Mustafizur Rahman during the Indian Premier League 2026 auction held in December. While player selections in the IPL are typically viewed through a sporting and commercial lens, critics argue that the decision has broader implications amid reports of targeted violence against Hindu minorities in Bangladesh and allegations of anti-India rhetoric by certain groups there.
Spiritual Leaders Condemn the Decision
Hindu spiritual leader Jagadguru Swami Rambhadracharya strongly criticised Shah Rukh Khan, describing him as a “traitor” for recruiting a Bangladeshi player at a time when religious tensions have drawn international concern.
“This is not merely about cricket,” Rambhadracharya said. “When Hindus are being targeted in Bangladesh, bringing in a Bangladeshi player sends the wrong message. Such actions hurt the sentiments of millions.”
Another prominent spiritual leader, Devkinandan Thakur, echoed similar views and demanded that Rahman’s appointment be revoked. Thakur went a step further, calling for the ₹9.2 crore paid for the player to be redirected as compensation to the families of Hindu children allegedly killed in Bangladesh.
“If Shah Rukh Khan truly respects the country, he should withdraw this decision and stand with the victims,” Thakur said. “Cricket cannot be separated from conscience.”
Political Reactions from Shiv Sena (UBT)
The issue soon escalated into the political arena, with the Shiv Sena (UBT) launching a sharp attack on the actor. Party leaders argued that the inclusion of a Bangladeshi player reflects a disregard for national sentiment.
In a statement, the party described Bangladeshis as “enemies” and said Shah Rukh Khan had failed to recognise the mood of the nation. “Pakistan and Bangladesh share the same DNA,” the party alleged. “They are terrorising the country, and Shah Rukh Khan should use this moment to show gratitude to India. Boycott such players and choose Indian talent.”
Senior Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam also weighed in, urging government intervention.
“For the last few months, atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh have deeply hurt the sentiments of India,” Nirupam said. “If Shah Rukh Khan does not want to be targeted, he should remove the player from the team. The Indian government should look into this matter.”
Minority Commission Offers a Contrasting View
Amid the growing criticism, **Maharashtra Minority Commission Chairman Pyare Khan offered a perspective that focused on communal harmony and national unity.
“The nation can never succeed unless minorities feel safe,” Khan said. “I appeal to Shah Rukh Khan to take a decision that sends a strong message. Actions taken by influential personalities have a wider impact on society.”
While Khan did not directly accuse the actor, his remarks reflected the pressure on public figures to navigate sensitive political and social fault lines.
A Sports Decision Caught in Political Crossfire
The IPL has long positioned itself as a global sporting league where nationality often takes a back seat to performance and commercial value. Mustafizur Rahman, widely known for his left-arm pace and variations, has previously played in the IPL for other franchises without controversy.
However, analysts note that the current backlash reflects a broader trend in which sports, entertainment, and geopolitics increasingly intersect. High-profile team owners like Shah Rukh Khan, who command immense public influence, often find their decisions scrutinised beyond sporting considerations.
So far, neither Shah Rukh Khan nor the Kolkata Knight Riders management has issued an official response to the criticism. The IPL governing body has also remained silent, treating the matter as an internal franchise decision.
As the debate intensifies, the controversy underscores the growing challenge for India’s sporting ecosystem: balancing global participation with domestic political sensitivities in an increasingly polarised environment. Whether the backlash will translate into concrete action remains to be seen, but the episode has once again highlighted how cricket in India extends far beyond the boundary ropes.
