BJP Calls Shah Rukh Khan Traitor Over KKR's Bangladeshi Player Signing
Political controversy over KKR signing Bangladeshi cricketer Mustafizur Rahman amid India-Bangladesh tensions.
The inclusion of Bangladeshi Pacer Mustafizur Rahman in Kolkata Knight Riders’ IPL 2026 squad has sparked a fierce political debate across India. The franchise, co-owned by Bollywood Superstar Shah Rukh Khan, purchased Rahman for ₹9.20 crore during the auction, drawing both praise from cricket analysts and criticism from nationalist voices amid rising tensions with Bangladesh.
BJP leaders, including Sangeet Som, criticized SRK for investing in a player from Bangladesh, labeling him a “traitor” and alleging that Hindus face persecution in Bangladesh. Som cited violence and attacks on minorities in the country, questioning how Indian money could support players from a nation he described as hostile toward India.
Shiv Sena leaders also weighed in, urging SRK to remove Rahman from the team to “protect India’s interests” and avoid public backlash. Anand Dubey of Shiv Sena (UBT) argued that Bangladeshi and Pakistani players should be barred from playing in the IPL, stating that keeping Rahman in the squad demonstrates a lack of understanding of national sentiment.
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Congress leaders defended SRK, condemning the rhetoric against him as an attack on India’s pluralism. MP Manickam Tagore B emphasized that “hate cannot define nationalism,” while Supriya Shrinate questioned the BCCI and ICC on the inclusion of Bangladeshi players in the IPL auction pool, indirectly pointing to Jay Shah’s role in cricket administration.
Religious leaders also joined the debate, urging calm and warning against targeting SRK. Maulana Sajid Rashidi called for action against inflammatory remarks, noting that sports and arts transcend borders, while Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi highlighted that supporting a Bangladeshi player does not constitute betrayal, emphasizing solidarity with minorities.
The controversy highlights the intersection of sports, politics, and national sentiment in India. While cricket analysts focus on KKR’s tactical decision to acquire Rahman, the debate underscores how international player selections can trigger broader discussions about patriotism, inclusivity, and India’s diplomatic sensitivities with neighboring countries.
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