Shahrukh Khan received criticism on the purchase of Mustafizur Rahman in IPL 2026, know why?

New Delhi: Political discussions outside the cricket field have intensified ahead of the arrival of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in March 2026. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have included Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman in their team, due to which the issue has gone beyond sports and become a part of political and ideological debate. Due to this decision, team co-owner and Bollywood superstar Shahrukh Khan is also facing criticism.

Questions raised on Mustafizur Rahman’s purchase

Mustafizur Rahman was the only Bangladeshi player in the IPL 2026 mini auction, who was bought by KKR for Rs 9.20 crore. Immediately after the auction, there were strong reactions against the decision on social media. Some users and political leaders questioned this purchase, citing the current tension between India and Bangladesh.

Reactions of religious leaders and leaders

Many religious and political figures expressed their opinions on this issue. Jagadguru Swami Rambhadracharya sharply commented on Shahrukh Khan’s decision, saying that it is against the national interest. At the same time, Pandit Dhirendra Krishna Shastri, while referring to the incidents against Hindus in Bangladesh, said that the players there should also raise their voice.

Spiritual guru Devkinandan Thakur also raised questions on Shahrukh Khan’s decision and said that the sentiments of the country which gave him recognition should be respected.

Sharpness of political reactions

Former Sardhana MLA Sangeet Som opposed the participation of the Bangladeshi player, after which the debate intensified in political circles. Senior leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said that no one has the right to distribute certificates of patriotism.

Maharashtra State Minority Commission Chairman Pyare Khan supported Devkinandan Thakur’s statement and said that development is not possible where minorities are not safe. He demanded intervention from the central government.

BCCI status

Amidst this controversy, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has clarified that there is no ban on Bangladeshi players at present. The board has said that it is waiting for instructions from the government and till then a ‘wait and watch’ policy will be adopted. In this situation, it is possible for Mustafizur Rahman to play for KKR in IPL 2026.

clash of sports and politics

This case once again highlights the conflict between sports and politics. While on one hand the franchise considers it a professional decision, on the other hand it is being linked to national sentiments. In the coming times, it will be interesting to see in which direction this controversy progresses and whether it will impact IPL 2026.