IPL: 'Won't even let SRK enter'- KKR's Mustafizur signing sparks political firestorm
Kolkata Knight Riders' signing of Bangladeshi bowler Mustafizur Rahman for the 2026 IPL has sparked a political firestorm. BJP leaders and religious groups are protesting, citing strained India-Bangladesh ties and alleged violence against minorities. Concerns were voiced that such sporting ties could be exploited, leading to threats against players and the franchise owner if matches are held in Kolkata.
Shah Rukh Khan and Mustafizur Rahman (Agency Image)
A political controversy has erupted around Kolkata Knight Riders’ decision to rope in Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman for the 2026 Indian Premier League season, with strong objections being raised by sections of the Bharatiya Janata Party and several religious groups. The backlash is rooted in the current strain in India–Bangladesh relations and growing concerns over reports of violence in the neighbouring country. The flashpoint came after KKR secured Mustafizur for Rs 9.20 crore at the IPL auction held in December. While the signing was seen by the franchise as a purely cricketing move, it quickly spilled into the political arena, particularly because Kolkata is set to host multiple IPL matches next season.
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BJP leader Kaustav Bagchi publicly warned against allowing Bangladeshi players to feature in matches held in the city. Issuing a strongly worded statement, Bagchi said, “If any Bangladeshi cricketer is included in the IPL team and wants to play a match in Kolkata, we won’t let it do it. We won’t even let
Shah Rukh Khan
enter Kolkata.” He went further, linking the issue to broader geopolitical and social concerns. “Bangladeshi cricketers like Mustafizur Rahman will earn crores of money and other Bangladeshi will supply firearms and our Hindu brothers will be killed with these weapons. It cannot be run simultaneously,” Bagchi added. The remarks have intensified debate around the presence of overseas players from Bangladesh in the IPL, particularly in light of reports highlighting attacks on Hindu minorities across the border. Religious groups have echoed similar concerns, arguing that sporting engagement should not be detached from the prevailing political and humanitarian situation.