ISLAMABAD: A major controversy has erupted in India after Bharatiya JanataParty leader and former Uttar Pradesh legislator Sangeet Som labelledBollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan a “traitor” for his Indian Premier Leagueteam’s purchase of Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman. The remarks,made during a public gathering in Meerut, link the IPL 2026 auctiondecision to ongoing reports of violence against Hindus in Bangladesh,highlighting tensions between sport and politics.
Sangeet Som’s strong criticism centres on Kolkata Knight Riders’ successfulbid of 9.20 crore rupees for Mustafizur Rahman during the IPL mini-auctionheld on December 16 in Abu Dhabi. Som argued that rewarding a Bangladeshiplayer with substantial funds is unacceptable while Hindus face allegedatrocities across the border. He warned that such players might facedifficulties entering India for the tournament.
The BJP leader emphasised national sentiments, stating that Shah Rukh Khanowes his success to Indian audiences yet appeared to prioritise commercialinterests over patriotic concerns. Som asserted that cricket transcendsmere sport and is deeply intertwined with public emotions, particularlyamid cross-border sensitivities involving minority communities.
Reports from credible sources indicate persistent concerns over minoritysafety in Bangladesh, including incidents of violence and lynching linkedto blasphemy allegations in late 2025. These developments have fuelledprotests in India and drawn official statements expressing grave concernabout targeted attacks on Hindus, Christians, and Buddhists.
Spiritual leaders, including Devkinandan Thakur, have echoed Som’sobjections, urging Kolkata Knight Riders to reconsider playing MustafizurRahman. Thakur threatened widespread agitation if the player features,framing the issue as a matter of protecting Hindu sentiments againstperceived indifference from public figures.
Cricket analysts counter that the Indian Premier League remains aprofessional global platform where player selections are based onperformance and strategy, not political affiliations. Mustafizur Rahman,known for his deceptive cutters and death bowling prowess, has previouslyexcelled in the IPL, taking 65 wickets in 60 matches across franchises.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India has not imposed restrictions onBangladeshi participation, maintaining the league’s internationalcharacter. Experts argue that politicising auctions risks undermining thesport’s spirit, which unites diverse talents from various nations undercompetitive frameworks.
Opposition parties have criticised Som’s remarks as divisive, with somealleging they target Shah Rukh Khan due to his religious background.Neither the actor nor Kolkata Knight Riders management has issued anofficial response to the escalating controversy as of early January 2026.
Read Top Stories
This incident underscores broader debates on the intersection ofentertainment, sports, and politics in India. With the IPL 2026 seasonapproaching in March, the row may intensify calls for boycotts or furtherstatements from stakeholders involved.
As public discourse continues, the episode reflects ongoing sensitivitiessurrounding India-Bangladesh relations, particularly regarding minorityprotections and cultural exchanges through platforms like cricket.
Source:https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/shah-rukh-khan-mustafizur-rahman-bjp-leader-sangeet-som-slams-kkr-boss-for-buying-bangladeshi-player-in-ipl-2026-10166405
Tags: Shah Rukh Khan, Sangeet Som, Kolkata Knight Riders, MustafizurRahman, IPL 2026, Bangladesh
ogimageimage-name