 squad for the IPL 2026 season.){kind=link}
Spokesperson Anand Dubey warns team owner Shah Rukh Khan against including the Bangladeshi pacer; claims earnings could be misused for “anti-India activities.”
January 2, 2026: The inclusion of Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman in the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) squad for the IPL 2026 season has transcended the cricket pitch, morphing into a major political confrontation. On Thursday, January 1, 2026, the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) faction joined BJP leaders in criticizing the franchise, citing national security concerns and regional tensions.
Shiv Sena (UBT) Issues “Warning” to Shah Rukh Khan
Speaking on the controversy, Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Anand Dubey directed a pointed message toward KKR co-owner Shah Rukh Khan. Dubey suggested that the actor would earn “immense respect and honor” if he voluntarily removed the Bangladeshi player from the roster.
“If the player is allowed to play and the franchise earns money, there is a risk that such funds could be misused to nurture terrorists and fuel conspiracies against India,” Dubey claimed. He added a stern warning, stating, “We will not allow this to happen at any cost,” framing the protest as a matter of national interest.
A Growing Chorus of Opposition
The Shiv Sena (UBT) statement adds weight to an already aggressive campaign led by leaders in North India:
- BJP’s Sangeet Som: The Uttar Pradesh BJP leader previously sparked outrage by labeling Shah Rukh Khan a “traitor” for hiring a player from a nation where Hindus have recently faced targeted violence.
- Spiritual Backing: Prominent spiritual leader Devkinandan Thakur also voiced his disapproval, urging a boycott of those who prioritize sports over the safety of the Hindu community in neighboring regions.
Context: Strained India-Bangladesh Ties
The sporting controversy is deeply rooted in the deteriorating security situation across the border.
- Targeted Violence: Reports emerged today of another brutal attack on a Hindu businessman, Khokon Das, in Bangladesh. This marks the fourth such major incident in recent weeks, causing significant diplomatic friction.
- IPL 2026 Auctions: Mustafizur Rahman, a veteran of the IPL, was picked up by KKR during the recent auctions to bolster their bowling attack. While IPL rules allow the participation of Bangladeshi players, political factions argue that “business as usual” cannot continue amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
Silence from the Knight Riders
As of Friday morning, January 2, 2026, neither Shah Rukh Khan, the KKR management, nor the BCCI has issued an official statement regarding the political pressure. Historically, the IPL has attempted to keep cricket separate from bilateral politics, but the intensity of the current protests—coupled with the upcoming civic polls in Maharashtra—has put the franchise in a difficult position.