Three-time IPL champions KKR have been struggling after bidding for Bangladesh’s premier fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman. Rahman was bought for Rs 9.20 crore in the IPL 2026 mini-auction; However, the team has been receiving threats due to rising anti-Bangladesh sentiment among Indians.
After the mini-auction 2026, the Kolkata Knight Riders camp lit up. KKR management enjoyed its supremacy in the auction with its huge money in the auction. Despite buying the two highest paid players in the auction, they stretched their huge budget by buying Mustafizur Rahman for Rs 9.20 crore.
However, since the move, Kolkata Knight Riders have struggled with several moves, and the act of Hindu death has sparked anti-Bangladesh agitation among some Indian groups.
KKR and Mustafizur Rahman controversy
Just months before the IPL 2026 season begins, another controversy has erupted over the tournament. Three-time champions and the third most successful team in the history of the competition, Kolkata Knight Riders are in danger of playing against experienced Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman.
Rahman was a shrewd buy for Kolkata Knight Riders, as he is one of Bangladesh’s finest and most successful players, having represented them in 257 international matches. He has also played eight IPL seasons.
For the first time, anti-Rahman sentiment has emerged within the IPL as there have been reports of violence and murder against Hindus in Bangladesh. This has created anti-Bangladesh sentiment among Indian clans. According to him, bringing a Bangladeshi is insensitive at the moment.
KKR issued threat; Political personalities declared Shahrukh Khan a ‘traitor’
Kolkata Knight Riders have been threatened for not playing the Bangladeshi superstar. Given KKR’s impressive lineup and limited space for overseas players, Mustafizur Rahman may not feature in many games as he will also be on national duty between April 16 and 23.
The protest is not just limited to KKR, but team co-owner Shahrukh Khan has also been branded a ‘traitor’ by political leader Sangeet Som. He had also demanded a ban on Bangladeshi players.
Some political groups in Madhya Pradesh have issued further threats of physical disruption, vowing to attack stadiums and damage property if Mustafizur plays any match for KKR. Social media campaigns like #BoycottKKR and #BoycottIPL have also called for a boycott of India’s most favorite tournament.
BCCI has not yet responded to this controversy
Neither the Knight Riders management nor the BCCI have responded to such claims, nor attempted to address the unrest and threats with an official statement. However, as reported by InsideSport, a senior BCCI official has said that the board has not taken any decision on this yet and they are waiting for any instructions from the government.
“We have to understand that this is a delicate situation. We have always been in touch with the government on the emerging diplomatic situations and we have not heard anything that would prompt us to impose a ban on Bangladeshi players. So yes, Mustafizur will play in the IPL. Bangladesh is not an enemy country,” the quoted official said.
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