Imam Body Chief Comes to Shah Rukh Khan's Defence in KKR Player Controversy
The president of the All India Imam Association (AIAA), Maulana Sajid Rashidi, has publicly expressed his support for Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan. This comes in the wake of significant criticism directed at the actor over the inclusion of Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman in his Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
Rashidi's statement on Saturday followed a directive from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) instructing KKR to release the Bangladeshi cricketer from its squad for the upcoming IPL 2026 season.
BCCI's Directive and the Auction Timing Question
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia clarified the board's position, stating that the apex cricket body had asked KKR to drop Mustafizur Rahman "due to recent developments". He added that the franchise would be permitted to sign a replacement player. Mustafizur was acquired by the Kolkata-based franchise for a substantial sum of Rs 9.20 crore during the IPL auction held in December last year.
However, Maulana Sajid Rashidi questioned the timing of this decision. Speaking to ANI, he argued that the BCCI's directive should have been issued much earlier. "The decision to drop the Bangladeshi player should have been made before the auction, as they were aware of the situation in Bangladesh," he stated.
Rashidi further contended that the entire episode was being framed through a communal lens. "This decision is set under the narrative of the Hindu-Muslim angle. There is no mistake of Shah Rukh Khan as he bought the player under BCCI rules and regulations," the AIAA president asserted, absolving the actor and franchise owner of any blame.
Political Backdrop and Fallout
The selection of the Bangladeshi pacer had ignited a political backlash in India. This reaction was primarily fueled by the context of reported attacks on Hindu minorities in Bangladesh. The controversy led to divergent opinions regarding the appropriateness of Mustafizur's participation in the high-profile IPL 2026 season.
By stepping into the debate, the head of a prominent Muslim body has highlighted the broader societal and political dimensions the issue has acquired. His defence of Shah Rukh Khan underscores the view that the franchise operated within the established regulatory framework during the auction process.
The BCCI's instruction to KKR and the subsequent support from the Imam Association president mark a significant development in an issue that sits at the intersection of sports, politics, and communal harmony. The franchise is now expected to seek a suitable replacement for the released bowler as per the board's allowance.
