Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has strongly condemned the political controversy surrounding the Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) acquisition of Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman in the IPL 2026 auction. Tharoor labelled the criticism as "very petty and shameful," arguing that cricket must remain insulated from diplomatic spats.
Tharoor's Defence: Sport and Politics Should Not Mix
The row erupted after KKR, co-owned by Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan, secured Mustafizur Rahman for a significant sum of Rs 9.20 crore at the auction. This move drew sharp criticism from certain Hindu preachers and BJP leaders, who branded Khan a "traitor" for the purchase. The criticism was framed within the context of Bangladesh's perceived anti-India stance on certain issues.
Tharoor, a noted parliamentarian and author, countered these allegations directly. He emphasized that Mustafizur Rahman is a professional cricketer with no connection to attacks on minorities in his home country. "Sporting decisions must remain separate from politics," Tharoor asserted, stressing that a player's skill, not his nationality in a political context, should be the sole criterion for team selection in a sporting league.
Backlash Against Shah Rukh Khan and Security Warnings
The controversy has placed Shah Rukh Khan squarely in the line of fire. The actor has faced intense trolling and accusations from sections of political and religious groups. Adding fuel to the fire, BJP leader and former MLA Sangeet Som issued a warning, suggesting that Rahman may face restrictions upon entering India to play for his franchise.
This statement escalated the situation from mere criticism to a potential issue of player clearance and security, threatening to disrupt the sporting calendar. The incident highlights the increasing tendency to view international sporting exchanges through a purely political lens, a trend Tharoor and others are pushing back against.
A Call for Engagement, Not Isolation
Going beyond the immediate incident, Shashi Tharoor presented a broader argument for continued engagement with neighbouring countries. He warned that isolating neighbours does no good for regional stability or India's long-term interests. Instead, he advocated for using platforms like sports to maintain and strengthen people-to-people ties, even when governmental relations face challenges.
"India must continue engaging with Bangladesh through sports and other cultural avenues," Tharoor stated, positioning the IPL as a potential bridge for diplomacy rather than a battleground for political point-scoring. The incident, set against the backdrop of the auction held in early January 2026, continues to spark debate on the limits of politics in sport.
