Shah Rukh Khan Faces Backlash After KKR Signs Bangladeshi Cricketer Mustafizur Rahman
Mumbai / Kolkata | January 2, 2026 | DeccanLive.com
Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan is facing strong criticism after his IPL team, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), signed Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman for the upcoming IPL season.
Shiv Sena spokesperson Anand Dubey objected to the decision and said Bangladeshi players should not be allowed to play in the IPL on Indian soil. He claimed that Bangladeshi and Pakistani players spread hatred against Hindus and demanded a ban on them.
Mustafizur Rahman was bought by KKR for ₹9.20 crore during the recent IPL auction. After this, Shah Rukh Khan was targeted by leaders from Shiv Sena as well as the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
According to news agency ANI, Anand Dubey warned that if Shah Rukh Khan does not reverse his decision, it will be seen as disrespecting the feelings of the nation.
BJP leader Sangeet Som also attacked Shah Rukh Khan, saying he is supporting a player from a country that works against India.
“Shah Rukh Khan is what he is because of India. Such traitors will never succeed,” Som said.
The Congress party strongly condemned Sangeet Som’s statement and defended Shah Rukh Khan.
Who Is Mustafizur Rahman?
Mustafizur Rahman is one of Bangladesh’s most well-known fast bowlers.
He has played 15 Tests, 116 ODIs, and 126 T20 matches for Bangladesh.
He is not new to the IPL and has earlier played for Chennai Super Kings, Delhi Capitals, and Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Seven Bangladeshi players were available in the IPL auction this year, but only Mustafizur Rahman was picked, by KKR.
The new season of the Indian Premier League will begin on March 26.
Why Anger Against Bangladesh Is Rising in India
Tensions between India and Bangladesh have increased after violent protests in Bangladesh last month, during which a Hindu man was killed. This incident further strained already sensitive relations between the two countries.
The victim, a 27-year-old Hindu man named Dipu Chandra, was allegedly killed by a mob over accusations of blasphemy. The incident led to protests by Hindu groups in India.
India has repeatedly raised concerns about attacks on minorities, especially Hindus, in Bangladesh after former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was removed from power.
‘Traitor’ Allegations and Strong Reactions
Spiritual leader Devkinandan Thakur accused Shah Rukh Khan of supporting Bangladeshi players despite attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh. He even threatened that Mustafizur Rahman would not be allowed to step out of the airport.
Congress leader Manish Tewari reacted sharply on X (formerly Twitter), saying,
“Calling Shah Rukh Khan a traitor is an attack on India itself. Hatred cannot be called nationalism. RSS should stop spreading poison in society.”
Muslim organisations have also come forward in support of Shah Rukh Khan.
All India Muslim Jamaat president Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi said that Indian Muslims are equally concerned about attacks on minorities in Bangladesh, but a cricketer cannot be blamed for political situations. He added that calling Shah Rukh Khan a traitor is unfair.
Many social media users also questioned why Shah Rukh Khan is being targeted instead of the authorities who organise the IPL.
