Shah Rukh Khan’s Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have found themselves at the centre of a heated political debate after signing Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman for the IPL 2026 season. What began as a roster move has quickly turned into a flashpoint, with political leaders and rival groups raising sharp objections and alleging broader security and sentiment concerns.
What KKR did
At the IPL auction, KKR bought Mustafizur Rahman — the only Bangladeshi cricketer picked in this auction — for a reported Rs 9.2 crores. The signing was presented by many as a sporting decision: a team strengthening its pace attack with an experienced international bowler. But the choice has drawn attention beyond the cricket field because Shah Rukh Khan is a co-owner of KKR and a high-profile public figure.
Political backlash: accusations and warnings
The signing provoked immediate political reactions. Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray faction) spokesperson Anand Dubey warned that if Mustafizur is allowed to play and earn in the IPL, those earnings “might be used to fund terrorism,” saying that removing the player would win respect. Dubey’s comments were widely circulated and escalated the controversy.
Other leaders, including figures from the BJP, have also criticised the inclusion of a Bangladeshi player, linking it to concerns about minority persecution in Bangladesh and appealing to national sentiments. Uttar Pradesh BJP leader Sangeet Som went further, saying, “If a player like Rahman come to India, he will not be able to step out of the airport,” and some critics even labelled Shah Rukh Khan a “traitor” for supporting foreign players in the wake of incidents cited by opponents.
Defence and differing views
Not everyone sees the move as political. Supporters and several commentators have pointed out that IPL franchises routinely pick overseas talent based on skill and team balance. From this perspective, Mustafizur’s selection is a cricketing decision aimed at improving KKR’s pace options for the 2026 season.
Key points from both sides
- Critics: Raise national security and sentiment concerns, and question the timing and optics of signing a Bangladeshi player.
- Supporters: Emphasise sporting merit, KKR’s team strategy, and the global nature of the IPL.
Why this matters beyond sport
The episode highlights how IPL decisions can quickly spill into politics given the league’s massive reach and the celebrity status of owners like Shah Rukh Khan. Issues of nationality, religion and regional politics can amplify what would otherwise be routine team business, turning squad selections into wider public debates.
Where things stand and what to watch
With the IPL 2026 season approaching, the debate around Mustafizur Rahman’s inclusion is likely to continue. KKR will have to balance on-field strategy with off-field scrutiny, and Shah Rukh Khan — as a visible face of the franchise — is in the spotlight. Fans, critics and political observers will be watching how the club responds and whether the player takes the field without further controversy.
The situation is still evolving: while some frame this as purely cricketing, others see it as part of a larger political conversation. Either way, the controversy ensures KKR’s roster choice will be discussed widely both on social media and in political circles as the season draws near.