Shah Rukh Khan, co-owner of IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders, during a public appearance. - Photo courtesy of IANS
NEW DELHI: A controversy has broken out after Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Kolkata Knight Riders picked Bangladeshi cricketer Mustafizur Rahman, drawing Shah Rukh Khan, one of the team’s co-owners, into an unexpected political debate.
The criticism began when Hindu religious leader Devkinandan Thakur questioned the decision, citing reports of violence against Hindus in Bangladesh. His comments quickly set off a wider reaction, with BJP leaders, Muslim clerics, and opposition politicians stepping in from different sides of the argument.
BJP leader calls SRK a ‘traitor’, sparks wider outrage
On Thursday (Jan 1), BJP leader Sangeet Singh Som escalated the criticism, accusing Shah Rukh Khan of betraying the country by associating with a player from Bangladesh.
Speaking to ANI, Som alleged that Hindus in Bangladesh were facing severe persecution, including attacks on homes and women, and claimed that investing in players from a country he described as “working against India” was unacceptable.
“People like Shah Rukh Khan are traitors; they eat in India and sing praises of Pakistan and Bangladesh,” Som said, adding that Mustafizur Rahman would not be allowed to play in India and “won’t be able to step outside the airport”.
Similar criticism was voiced by Hindu spiritual leader Jagadguru Swami Rambhadracharya, who also questioned the actor’s actions and character.
“He (Shah Rukh Khan) is not a hero. Shah Rukh Khan does not have a character. His actions have been those of a traitor,” Rambhadracharya said.
Devkinandan Thakur, reiterating his stance, asked how a team owner could include a Bangladeshi player at a time when, he claimed, Hindus were facing brutal attacks in the neighbouring country. He demanded that the cricketer be removed from the team and suggested the reported fee be redirected to affected families.
“As a gesture of apology and remorse, Rs 9.2 crore, which is being given to that cricketer, should be given to the families of the Hindu children who are being killed there,” he said.
Opposition, Muslim leaders push back, cite Constitution and law
The remarks drew strong condemnation from opposition leaders and Muslim religious organisations.
Congress MP Manickam Tagore called the attacks on Shah Rukh Khan an assault on India’s plural character. Writing on X on Thursday, he said, “Calling Superstar Shah Rukh Khan a ‘traitor’ is an attack on India’s pluralism. Hate cannot define nationalism. RSS must stop poisoning society.”
Congress leader Tariq Anwar also defended the actor, pointing out that Shah Rukh Khan has acted in several films rooted in patriotic themes and is an internationally recognised figure. He said the inclusion of foreign players in the IPL can only happen with the approval of cricket authorities and within the framework of international rules.
Muslim leaders echoed similar views. Imam Association president Maulana Sajid Rashidi said protests often erupt simply because Muslim names are involved. He questioned who had the authority to object to a lawful decision taken under constitutional and sporting norms.
“In this country, blindly opposing anything without thinking or understanding the Constitution has become a habit. Whenever a Muslim name comes up, protesting becomes very easy. Shah Rukh Khan is Muslim, and the Bangladeshi cricketer he bought is also Muslim, so the protest is inevitable because the hatred against Muslims here immediately comes to the surface… What concern is it of the people?… If they do something against the constitution, the law will deal with them, won’t it? The government will take action against them. Who are you to protest and say that Shah Rukh Khan shouldn’t do this?”
All India Muslim Jamaat president Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi said Indian Muslims were equally concerned about the safety of minorities in Bangladesh, but stressed that entering into a sporting agreement did not amount to betrayal. “This cannot be justified under any circumstances,” he said, referring to the accusations against the actor.
The controversy comes amid heightened tensions following recent incidents of violence against Hindus in Bangladesh, which have triggered protests and political reactions in India. IPL authorities have not issued any statement on the matter so far. - The Statesman/ANN
