Religious leaders in Ujjain have issued a warning over Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman’s possible participation in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season. They have threatened to disrupt IPL matches if Bangladeshi fast bowlers are allowed to play, including storming stadiums and damaging pitches.
Relations between India and Bangladesh have deteriorated in recent times due to rising tensions, reports of violence and growing anger in India over cross-border incidents. Kolkata Knight Riders signed Mustafizur Rahman for ₹9.2 crore during the mini auction. Mustafizur Rahman is the only Bangladeshi player selected for IPL 2026.
Anger increases over Mustafizur Rahman joining IPL amid Bangladesh tension
Anger has increased among the fans regarding the inclusion of Mustafizur Rahman in the Indian Premier League. Many supporters want Kolkata Knight Riders to release the left-arm fast bowler, saying that his presence is ill-advised considering the current situation in Bangladesh.
According to Firstpost, several religious groups have also expressed strong objections. Mahavir Nath, chief priest of Ujjain’s Ranmukteshwar Mahadev temple, said that if the player was allowed to protest, his followers could take direct action. He claims that the authorities are ignoring the persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh.
Other religious organizations have also issued similar warnings. Some leaders have even said that they may storm stadiums to stop matches involving Bangladeshi cricketers, which would raise security concerns and increase pressure on franchises.
Why are religious leaders threatening to disrupt IPL?
Religious leaders have threatened to disrupt the IPL following anger and protests in India following recent violent incidents in Bangladesh. On December 18, a 27-year-old Hindu textile worker was beaten to death in Mymensingh district on alleged blasphemy charges.
A few days later, a 29-year-old man was attacked by villagers in Rajbari’s Pangsha area over extortion charges and later died in hospital.
These incidents have come to light at a time when Bangladesh is already facing political instability. The situation worsened after former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled the country last year following attacks on her party offices and official residence. Later he was given asylum by India.
Following his exit, the Parliament of Bangladesh was dissolved and an interim government was formed. Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus was appointed to lead the transition. The country is now preparing for new elections, which are scheduled to be held in February 2026.
KKR may consider three foreign fast bowlers as possible replacements for Mustafizur Rahman
If the BCCI decides to ban Bangladeshi players and Kolkata Knight Riders are forced to look for replacements, there are some foreign fast bowlers they could consider.
Alzarri Joseph is performing very well in franchise cricket. The 29-year-old fast bowler took 4 wickets in 6 matches in CPL 2025 and followed it up with 12 wickets in 8 matches in PSL 2025. He previously played IPL 2024 for RCB, where he took 1 wicket in 3 matches.
Jhye Richardson has struggled with injuries in recent years but has recently returned to action. He gave good signs by taking 2 wickets in the Boxing Day Test. Richardson played one match for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2024 but did not get any wicket.
KKR may also consider Spencer Johnson, a bowler whom they had released earlier due to fitness issues. Johnson played 4 matches in IPL 2025 and took 1 wicket. He is currently injured and has missed the BBL, but if he recovers before IPL 2026, he can still be considered.
Also read: PCB to sell 2 new PSL teams for less than the combined IPL salary of Rishabh Pant-Shreyas Iyer
