BJP Leader Brands Shah Rukh Khan ‘Traitor’/sbkinews.in
A massive political storm has erupted over Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) acquisition of Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman for Rs 9.2 crore at the IPL 2026 auction held in December 2025, with BJP leader Sangeet Som labelling co-owner Shah Rukh Khan a “traitor” who has “no right to live in this country”. The controversy, triggered amid reports of anti-Hindu violence in Bangladesh, has drawn sharp reactions from political figures, spiritual leaders, and cricket fans, raising questions about nationalism, sports, and celebrity involvement in global franchises.
The IPL Auction Move That Sparked Fury
The IPL 2026 mega auction in Jeddah saw KKR splash Rs 9.2 crore on Mustafizur Rahman, the left-arm pacer known as “Fizz” for his deceptive slower cutters and yorkers. Rahman, 29, returns to KKR where he played from 2016-2018, taking 34 wickets in 26 games at an economy of 7.95. His retention by Chennai Super Kings in previous years and stints with Rajasthan Royals underscored his value in death overs.
KKR’s bid war escalated from Rs 4 crore base price, outbidding Mumbai Indians and Sunrisers Hyderabad. Co-owners Shah Rukh Khan, Juhi Chawla, and Jay Mehta celebrated the buy as strengthening their pace attack alongside Mitchell Starc (Rs 24.75 crore retentions) and Vaibhav Arora.
But the timing couldn’t be worse. Bangladesh has been gripped by unrest since Sheikh Hasina’s ouster in August 2024, with reports of attacks on Hindus (minorities comprising 8% population), temple vandalism, and forced conversions. Som linked Rahman’s signing to these events during a Meerut public meeting on December 31.
BJP Leader Brands Shah Rukh Khan ‘Traitor’/sbkinews.in
Sangeet Som’s Explosive Outburst
Former UP MLA Sangeet Som (Sardhana, 2017-2022) didn’t mince words: “On one hand, Hindus are being killed in Bangladesh, and on the other, cricketers are being bought in IPL. The traitorous film actor Shah Rukh Khan has bought Bangladeshi cricketer Rahman for Rs 9 crore. Such traitors have no right to live in this country.”
Som escalated: “Bangladeshi players like Rahman will not be able to step out of the airport” during IPL, warning of protests. He accused Khan of betraying India despite the nation’s support making him a star.
Som’s remarks at a voter revision workshop drew applause from local BJP workers, amplifying via social media.
BJP Leader Brands Shah Rukh Khan ‘Traitor’/sbkinews.in
Spiritual Leaders Join The Fray
Hindu seer Devkinandan Thakur condemned KKR: “Hindus who made KKR owner a star now see Bangladeshi players included while Hindus in Bangladesh are killed, burnt alive, girls assaulted.” Jagadguru Rambhadracharya called Khan “not a hero… lacks character… traitor.”
Thakur threatened boycott if Rahman plays; Rambhadracharya urged moral reckoning.
Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress Counterattack
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut: “Money paid to Rahman could nurture terrorism… national security threat.” Congress’ Surender Rajput: “BJP attacks Khan because he’s Muslim.” UP LoP Mata Prasad Pandey slammed Som; ally Om Prakash Rajbhar called it “limelight stunt.”
Waris Pathan (AIMIM): Selective outrage—ignore violence elsewhere?
Shah Rukh Khan & KKR’s Silence
Neither Khan nor KKR has responded. Khan’s Pathan (2022) faced similar flak over Taliban links; he typically ignores politics. BCCI sources: No ban on Bangladeshi players; IPL global per ICC rules.
Mustafizur’s IPL record (57 wkts @8.5 econ) justifies buy; political row risks visa/protest disruptions.
Bangladesh Context: Violence Reports
Post-Hasina fall (Aug 2024), Yunus interim govt faces Hindu exodus claims: 1,000+ attacks, 50 temples razed (VHP). Bangladesh HC: 2,010 incidents (Aug-Oct 2024). India evacuated 1,000+; MEA protests.
Som ties Rahman (Muslim) to “anti-India” protests abusing Modi.
IPL’s Global vs Nationalist Clash
IPL’s foreign player pool (70% overseas) includes Pakistanis (banned), Afghanis, Bangladeshis. Rahman (5th Bangladesh IPL buy post-auction) follows Litton Das (RCB Rs2cr).
Critics: Prioritize Indian talent amid tensions. Supporters: Business, merit—BCCI/ICC regulate.
Risks: Protests at IPL venues (Mar 2026); fan boycotts; visa issues for Rahman.
Broader Implications
Row politicizes IPL: BJP’s Hindu vote consolidation vs Congress/ allies’ minority appeasement charge. Khan (Pathan success, Kolkata icon) targeted as “anti-national” symbol.
Future: BCCI may review foreign player policy; franchises cautious on Bangladeshis.
SRK’s silence strategic; row fades or escalates to IPL start.
Timeline:
Dec 16: Auction, KKR Rs9.2cr Rahman.
Dec 31: Som’s speech.
Jan 1: Thakur/Rambhadracharya join.
Jan 2: Sena/Congress retort.
Sports-politics nexus exposed; cricket’s apolitical facade cracks.
