Political tensions between India and Bangladesh have spilled over into the world of cricket after Bollywood superstar ShahRukh Khan inducted Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman into his Indian Premier League (IPL) team, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). The decision has drawn sharp criticism from a Hindutva leader, who went so far as to label the actor a “traitor,” according to media reports on Friday.
The controversy began after the IPL 2026 auction, where KKR secured Mustafizur—popularly known as “The Fizz”—for a hefty Rs92 million. While cricket experts praised the move as a smart tactical decision, it triggered a political backlash amid strained diplomatic relations between India and Bangladesh.
According to the Hindustan Times, the opposition Congress party strongly condemned remarks made by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Sangeet Som, a former MLA from Uttar Pradesh. Som criticised Shah Rukh Khan for including a Bangladeshi player in his franchise and called him a “gaddar” (traitor) for supporting the decision.
In a video clip quoted by the newspaper, Som accused Khan of investing in a player from what he described as “a country working against India.” He linked his criticism to allegations by Indian right-wing groups about attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh.
“The way Hindus are being persecuted there—women and girls being raped, homes being burned, and anti-India slogans raised—despite all this, people like ShahRukh Khan invest money in players from that country,” Som said. He added that such people “will not succeed.”
The criticism of ShahRukh Khan is not unprecedented. The actor, who is Muslim, has frequently been targeted by right-wing groups. Other prominent Muslim actors, including Salman Khan and Aamir Khan, have also faced accusations of being anti-Hindu or pro-Pakistan in the past.
Even legendary actor Dilip Kumar was subjected to similar allegations during his lifetime.
The Mustafizur Rahman controversy comes at a politically sensitive time, as West Bengal heads toward state elections later this year. The BJP is attempting to unseat Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, and the issue has added fuel to an already charged political atmosphere in the state, where KKR is based.
Congress MP Manickam Tagore strongly condemned Som’s remarks, calling them an “attack on India’s pluralism.” He accused the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) of “poisoning society” and urged political leaders to refrain from communal rhetoric.
However, Som stood firm on his position and escalated his remarks further, claiming that Mustafizur Rahman “would not be able to step outside the airport,” a statement that drew widespread criticism for its threatening tone.
Despite the political storm, cricket analysts continue to view Mustafizur’s inclusion as a significant boost for KKR, highlighting the growing tension between sports, politics, and nationalism in the region.