Shah Rukh Khan Faces Criticism for KKR’s Inclusion of Bangladeshi Player Mustafizur Rahman

On Wednesday, BJP leader Sangeet Som strongly criticized Bollywood actor and KKR co-owner Shah Rukh Khan for signing Mustafizur Rahman, a fast bowler from Bangladesh, for Rs 9 crore in the latest Indian Premier League (ipl) auction. Som went so far as to call Khan a traitor and claimed he had no right to reside in India.

Speaking at a public event and voter revision workshop in Meerut, Som said: “While Cricket players are being purchased at the IPL auction, Hindus are being murdered in Bangladesh. The Prime Minister is mistreated, and anti-Indian chants are being raised in Bangladesh today, yet traitors like Shah Rukh Khan are supporting them with nine crores. They have no right to live in this country.”

Som also warned of potential risks for Mustafizur if he travels to India for the IPL season, stating, “Mustafizur Rahman won’t be able to leave the airport.”

The signing of Mustafizur Rahman has provoked comments from multiple sources. Besides Sangeet Som, spiritual leader Devkinandan Thakur criticized Shah Rukh Khan and KKR for the acquisition. Similarly, Jagadguru Swami Rambhadracharya called Khan a “traitor” and accused him of weak morals.

Political Responses

The controversy has also stirred debate in political circles. Anand Dubey, leader of Shiv Sena (UBT), told ANI, “We will respect and recognize Shah Rukh Khan if he removes him from his team. However, if he earns money through this player, it could support terrorists in Bangladesh. We will not permit this at any cost.”

Conversely, congress MP Manickam Tagore defended Shah Rukh Khan, tweeting that labeling him a “traitor” is “an attack on India’s pluralism” and that nationalism cannot be defined by hatred. Similarly, Congressman Tariq Anwar stressed that Khan’s acquisition of a Bangladeshi player was fully legal under international and cricket board regulations.

Religious Leaders Speak Out

Several Muslim leaders also condemned the selective criticism. Maulana Sajid Rashidi, President of the Imam Association, said: “Blind opposition without understanding the Constitution has become a habit. Shah Rukh Khan and Mustafizur Rahman being Muslims has triggered predictable backlash.”

Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi, National President of the All India Muslim Jamaat, emphasized that signing a Bangladeshi player is not betrayal. “Indian Muslims are concerned about attacks on minorities in Bangladesh and show solidarity. Shah Rukh Khan’s cricket decisions reflect that concern, not treachery,” he stated.

Waris Pathan, AIMIM national spokesperson, criticized the selective outrage over cricket, noting: “Crimes against Bangladesh’s Hindu minority are wrong, as are atrocities against Muslims in India. Sport should not be politicized to fuel hatred.”

Following the backlash, Pyre Khan, Chairman of the Maharashtra State Minority Commission, reportedly advised Shah Rukh Khan to reconsider Mustafizur Rahman’s inclusion in KKR.

The debate highlights the complex intersection of sports, politics, and communal sensitivities, as cricket remains a platform for both national pride and political discourse in India.