KKR Releases Mustafizur Rahman Amid BCCI Directive and Backlash Against Shah Rukh Khan from BJP, Religious Leaders
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), co-owned by Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, have officially released Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from their squad ahead of the IPL 2026 season, following instructions from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The move comes amid escalating tensions between India and Bangladesh, sparking sharp criticism from BJP leaders and Hindu religious figures targeting Khan and the franchise.
Official Confirmation from KKR
The franchise announced the decision in a press statement on Monday (5 January), stating: "Kolkata Knight Riders confirms that BCCI/IPL, as the regulator of IPL, has instructed it to release Mustafizur Rahman from the squad ahead of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season. The release has been carried out following due process and consultations, upon the instruction of the Board of Control for Cricket in India."
According to the statement, the BCCI will permit KKR to sign a replacement player for the 30-year-old left-arm pacer in accordance with IPL regulations, with further details to be shared in due course.
KKR had acquired Mustafizur for Rs 9.20 crore after an intense bidding war with Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals during last month's mini-auction in Abu Dhabi.
BCCI's Rationale
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed to the media earlier today that the board directed KKR to release Mustafizur due to the "growing strain in bilateral ties" between India and Bangladesh. He cited recent allegations of attacks on minorities in Bangladesh and India's concerns over minority safety as contributing factors.
The developments stem from heightened diplomatic tensions following the fall of the Awami League government in Bangladesh in 2024 and former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's departure to India. Over the past few months, both countries have summoned each other's envoys over various contentious issues.
Backlash Against Shah Rukh Khan and KKR
The acquisition of Mustafizur had already drawn ire from right-wing groups in India. Uttar Pradesh BJP leader Sangeet Singh Som accused Shah Rukh Khan of "investing in a player from a country working against India," stating: "On one hand, Hindus are being killed in Bangladesh, and on the other hand, cricketers are being bought in the IPL. The traitorous film actor Shah Rukh Khan has bought Bangladeshi cricketer Rahman for Rs 9 crore. Such traitors have no right to live in this country."
Hindu spiritual leader Jagadguru Rambhadracharya criticised the situation as "unfortunate," denouncing attacks on minority Hindus in Bangladesh and urging KKR to remove the Bangladeshi player, with the money paid to him redirected to families of Hindu victims as an apology.
Another religious leader, Devkinandan Thakur, echoed similar sentiments, urging KKR not to field Mustafizur, according to NDTV: "Devotees of Sanatan and Hindus, who made the KKR owner a star, see that the owner, without considering that Hindus in Bangladesh are being killed and burnt alive and girls are being assaulted, still includes Bangladeshi players in his team in India."
Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam had earlier urged Shah Rukh Khan to remove Mustafizur "to protect India's interests."
Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma, founder of the Tipra Motha Party and royal scion from Tripura, criticised the IPL and BCCI last month over "skewed recruitment priorities," arguing that expensive foreign signings reduce opportunities for domestic cricketers.
Political Reactions and Criticism of BCCI
BJP ally and Uttar Pradesh minister Om Prakash Rajbhar downplayed Som's remarks, saying the BJP leader makes such statements "to stay in the limelight."
Congress leaders strongly condemned the backlash and the BCCI's decision. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor called it a "mindless politicisation of sports" in a post on X: "Recalling my views on the subject, now that BCCI has deplorably pulled the plug on Mustafizur. And what if the Bangladeshi player in question had been Litton Das or Soumya Sarkar? Who are we punishing here: a nation, an individual, his religion? Where will this mindless politicising of sport lead us?"
Congress MP Manickam Tagore labelled the remarks against Khan as "an attack on India's pluralism," accusing the RSS of spreading division: "Calling Superstar Shah Rukh Khan a 'traitor' is an attack on India's pluralism. Hate cannot define nationalism. RSS must stop poisoning society."
Recalling my views on the subject, now that @bcci has deplorably pulled the plug on @Mustafiz90. And what if the Bangladeshi player in question had been @LittonOfficial or @soumyasarkar_06? Who are we punishing here: a nation, an individual, his religion? Where will this mindless… https://t.co/KSftpw0YGa
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) January 3, 2026
Mata Prasad Pandey, opposition leader in the Uttar Pradesh assembly, criticised Som and the BJP over the remarks.
Congress leader Surender Rajput accused the BJP of targeting Khan because of his religion: "They are attacking Shah Rukh Khan just because he is a Muslim."
Impact on Bilateral Cricket Ties
Last year, the cricket boards of India and Bangladesh postponed a white-ball bilateral series. On Friday, the Bangladesh Cricket Board announced the series would be played in Bangladesh in September this year, but the BCCI has not committed to the schedule and remains non-committal, unlikely to agree unless the political situation improves.
Mustafizur has played in eight IPL editions since 2016, missing only 2019 and 2020. He has previously represented Sunrisers Hyderabad, Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals, Chennai Super Kings, and Rajasthan Royals. The 2026 season was set to be his first with three-time IPL champions KKR.
