Bangladesh Player Row: KKR & Shah Rukh in Political Crossfire

Spiritual guru Devkinandan Thakur has ignited a political storm by criticising IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders and its co-owner Shah Rukh Khan for signing Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman for the upcoming IPL season. Thakur accused the franchise of ignoring alleged atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh, saying the decision hurt followers of Sanatan Dharma.

Thakur argued that the money spent on a Bangladeshi player should instead be used for India’s development or to support families affected by violence across the border. His remarks triggered sharp reactions across the political spectrum, with many leaders stressing that sports should remain separate from politics. Congress leader Tariq Anwar and PDP spokesperson Mohammad Iqbal Trumboo said human rights violations must be condemned but warned against politicising sports.

The BJP, however, backed Thakur’s concerns. BJP MLA Karnail Singh questioned the intent behind supporting Bangladeshi players amid reports of attacks on Hindus. Adding to the tension, religious leaders in Ujjain threatened to disrupt IPL matches if Mustafizur is allowed to play. The controversy underscores how geopolitics and sport are increasingly colliding, despite calls to keep the two worlds apart.