BJP Leader Targets Shah Rukh Khan Over KKR Signing Bangladeshi Cricketer, Sparks Political Row

New Delhi | January 2, 2026 A political controversy has erupted after Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Sangeet Som made strong remarks against actor and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) co-owner Shah Rukh Khan over the franchise’s decision to sign Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season. The comments have triggered sharp reactions across political, religious, and social circles. The controversy began after KKR purchased Mustafizur Rahman for ₹9 crore during the IPL auction held in December. Speaking at a public gathering and voter revision workshop in Meerut, Sangeet Som criticised Shah Rukh Khan for including a Bangladeshi player in his team at a time when violence against minorities is being reported in Bangladesh. Som went as far as calling the actor a “traitor” and questioned his right to live in India. Som claimed that while Hindus are allegedly facing attacks in Bangladesh, money from India is being spent on players from the neighbouring country. He alleged that anti-India slogans are raised in Bangladesh and said that people like Shah Rukh Khan were helping the country by investing money there through sports. He also issued a controversial warning, stating that if Mustafizur Rahman comes to India for the IPL, the consequences would not be good and claimed the player would not be able to step out of the airport. The remarks quickly drew attention and widened into a larger debate. Several other voices joined the criticism, including spiritual leader Devkinandan Thakur and Jagadguru Swami Rambhadracharya, who also questioned Shah Rukh Khan’s decision and used harsh words against him. The issue soon entered mainstream political discourse, with leaders from different parties weighing in. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Anand Dubey said that Shah Rukh Khan should remove Mustafizur from the KKR squad. He claimed that if the actor does so, he would be respected and honoured. Dubey further alleged that any money earned by playing the Bangladeshi cricketer could be misused and said his party would not allow such a situation under any circumstances. Amid the criticism, Congress leaders came out in strong support of Shah Rukh Khan. Congress MP Manickam Tagore defended the actor and criticised the BJP and RSS, saying that branding Shah Rukh Khan a traitor was an attack on India’s pluralistic values. In a post on X, Tagore said hatred cannot define nationalism and urged an end to what he described as divisive politics. Congress leader Tariq Anwar also defended Khan, stating that no franchise owner can sign an international player without proper approval. He explained that the inclusion of foreign players in the IPL happens only after clearance from the cricket authorities and follows international rules. Anwar added that since the IPL is an international tournament, such decisions are governed by established laws and regulations. The controversy also saw reactions from Muslim religious and political leaders. Imam Association President Maulana Sajid Rashidi said that opposing everything without understanding the Constitution has become a habit. He alleged that protests arise quickly whenever Muslim names are involved and said the criticism was rooted in prejudice rather than facts. Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi, President of the All India Muslim Jamaat, said that targeting Shah Rukh Khan was unfair. He stated that Indian Muslims are equally concerned about attacks on minorities in Bangladesh and stand in solidarity with them. He added that signing a cricketer does not amount to betrayal of the nation. AIMIM spokesperson Waris Pathan condemned violence against minorities in any country but questioned selective outrage linked to sports. He pointed out that international sporting events often involve players from different countries and said cricket should not be mixed with political hatred. Meanwhile, Pyare Khan, Chairman of the Maharashtra State Minority Commission, urged Shah Rukh Khan to reconsider and remove Mustafizur from the team, adding another dimension to the ongoing debate. As reactions continue to pour in, the controversy has highlighted how sports decisions can quickly turn into political flashpoints, especially amid sensitive regional and international issues. BJP Leader Targets Shah Rukh Khan Over KKR Signing Bangladeshi Cricketer, Sparks Political Row A fresh political controversy has broken out after BJP leader Sangeet Som criticised actor and Kolkata Knight Riders co-owner Shah Rukh Khan over the franchise’s decision to sign Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman for the upcoming IPL season. KKR bought Mustafizur for ₹9 crore during the IPL auction held in December, a move that has now drawn strong reactions from several political and religious leaders. Speaking at a public meeting in Meerut, Sangeet Som accused Shah Rukh Khan of supporting Bangladesh at a time when violence against minorities is being reported there. He used harsh language, called the actor a “traitor,” and questioned his right to live in India. Som also warned that if Mustafizur Rahman arrives in India for the IPL, the situation would not be favourable for him, a remark that sparked further outrage. The issue quickly escalated, with spiritual leaders like Devkinandan Thakur and Jagadguru Swami Rambhadracharya also criticising Shah Rukh Khan and questioning his decision. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Anand Dubey said the actor should remove Mustafizur from the team, claiming that playing him would amount to indirectly supporting forces hostile to India. Amid the criticism, several leaders came out in support of Shah Rukh Khan. Congress MP Manickam Tagore defended the actor, saying that calling him a traitor is an attack on India’s pluralistic values. Congress leader Tariq Anwar pointed out that no foreign player can be signed without official permission and that the IPL follows international rules. Muslim leaders also reacted strongly. Maulana Sajid Rashidi said opposition rises quickly whenever Muslim names are involved. Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi said signing a cricketer is not an act of betrayal. AIMIM spokesperson Waris Pathan condemned violence everywhere but questioned selective outrage linked to cricket. As debates continue, the row shows how sports decisions can quickly turn into political flashpoints.