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Political Heat Over KKR Signing Mustafizur Rahman

  • By Thetripurapost Desk, Mumbai
  • Jan 02, 2026
  • 612

The controversy surrounding Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman’s participation in the Indian Premier League (IPL) continues to intensify, even as both the Union Sports Ministry and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) clarify that there is no official restriction on Bangladeshi players featuring in the league.

According to a senior Sports Ministry source, India’s sports policy does not prohibit bilateral cricketing engagements with Bangladesh, nor does it bar Bangladeshi cricketers from participating in the IPL. The source emphasised that such restrictions are applicable only to Pakistan and its players, adding that the final decision regarding Rahman’s participation in the IPL 2026 season rests solely with the BCCI, not the government.

Echoing a similar stance, a BCCI official told IANS that the board has received no directive from the central government to prevent Bangladeshi players from taking part in the tournament. “It is beyond our control. Without any formal instruction from the government, we cannot comment further,” the official said.

Opposition Amid Reports of Violence in Bangladesh

Despite these clarifications, Rahman’s inclusion has drawn sharp criticism from several political and religious figures, particularly in the wake of recent violence against Hindus in Bangladesh, where three members of the community were reportedly killed over the past 13 days.

Political Reactions and Strong Statements

Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam urged Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) owner Shah Rukh Khan to remove Rahman from the squad. “At a time when the entire nation is angry and distressed over developments in Bangladesh, we appeal to him to drop the Bangladeshi player from the team,” Nirupam said.

Backing this position, Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Anand Dubey stated that Bangladeshi players should not be permitted to play on Indian soil during the IPL.

Devkinandan Thakur’s Appeal

Religious preacher Devkinandan Thakur went a step further, accusing Shah Rukh Khan of insensitivity. He alleged that Hindus in Bangladesh are being brutally targeted, with reports of killings, arson, and sexual violence. Questioning the moral responsibility of team ownership, Thakur demanded a public apology and urged that the ₹9.2 crore paid to Rahman be instead donated as compensation to the families of Hindu victims in Bangladesh.

BJP Leader Sangeet Som’s Remarks

BJP leader Sangeet Som also strongly opposed Rahman’s inclusion, accusing Shah Rukh Khan of “betraying the nation.” He claimed that Hindus are being selectively targeted in Bangladesh and argued that purchasing players from such a country amounts to supporting oppression. Som further remarked that if Pakistani players are barred from playing in India, Bangladeshi players should be treated similarly. “We will not allow them to play,” he asserted.

Rahman’s Record-Breaking Deal

Despite the backlash, Mustafizur Rahman was acquired by KKR for ₹9.2 crore at the IPL mini-auction held in Abu Dhabi last month, making him the most expensive Bangladeshi player in IPL history. The IPL 2026 season is scheduled to commence on March 26, with the final slated for May 31.