Kolkata, January 2, 2025: Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan has found himself at the centre of a political controversy following reports that his IPL franchise, Kolkata Knight Riders, signed Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman, triggering sharp reactions from leaders across party lines.
Leaders from the BJP and the Shiv Sena criticised the decision, arguing that players from Bangladesh should not be allowed to participate in the IPL amid reports of violence against Hindus in the neighbouring country. BJP leader Sangeet Som went as far as calling the move “treason,” accusing Khan of acting against national interest.
“In Bangladesh, Hindus are being tortured and killed. Buying players from there is an act against the nation,” Som said, directly targeting the actor.
Shiv Sena leader Krishna Hegde echoed similar sentiments, urging the IPL Governing Council and the BCCI to ban such players. He said those linked to countries where atrocities against Hindus allegedly occur should not be allowed to play or earn in India.
Spiritual leader Rambhadracharya also joined the criticism, claiming Khan’s actions were “anti-national” and questioning his character.
The controversy, however, drew strong rebuttals from opposition leaders, who accused the BJP of politicising cricket and targeting Shah Rukh Khan because of his religious identity. Congress leader Bhai Jagtap said the outrage exposed the “double-faced policy” of the BJP and RSS, pointing out that India continues to engage with Pakistani cricketers in international tournaments.
“Shah Rukh Khan does not select players on his own. There is a proper process. He is being targeted only because he is Muslim,” Jagtap said, adding that all IPL decisions follow ICC norms.
TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh questioned the need to politicise the issue, asking what political parties hoped to gain by singling out the actor. Samajwadi Party leader Abu Azmi also dismissed the controversy, stating that individual players should not be blamed for actions of governments.
“The cricketer signed by KKR has not harmed anyone. This hatred is spread by governments, not sportspersons,” Azmi said, citing examples of Bangladeshi dissidents being given shelter in India.
The political uproar comes against the backdrop of recent incidents of violence against Hindus in Bangladesh, including the lynching of Dipu Chandra Das in Mymensingh on December 18, Amrit Mondal in Rajbari on December 24, and the brutal attack on businessman Khokon Chandra Das in Shariatpur district earlier this week, according to local media reports.
KKR has not issued an official statement on the controversy so far, while Shah Rukh Khan has remained silent amid the escalating political sparring.
