The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has directed the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) franchise to release Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from their squad for the upcoming Indian Premier League season. The decision, announced on Saturday, comes amidst heightened political and religious tensions following reports of violence against the Hindu minority in Bangladesh.
Political Reactions and a "Victory for Hindus"
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) swiftly welcomed the cricket board's move. BJP leader Sangeet Som expressed gratitude to the BCCI, framing the decision as a significant win for Hindu sentiments across the nation. "Thanks to BCCI for its decision in view of the 100 crore Sanatanis of India," Som stated. He emphasized that the sentiments of the people could not be ignored, calling it "the victory of the Hindus of the entire nation."
BCCI secretary Devjit Saikia confirmed the instruction to KKR, citing "the recent developments which is going on all across" as the reason. He clarified that the franchise would be permitted to seek a replacement player for the released Bangladeshi pacer, who was bought for a substantial sum of Rs 9.20 crore during the IPL auction.
Pressure from Religious Leaders and Political Figures
The controversy had been brewing for days, with spiritual and political figures mounting pressure on KKR owner and Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan. Spiritual leader Devkinandan Thakur had earlier criticized Khan for acquiring a player from Bangladesh at a time when "Hindus are being brutally murdered, their homes are being burned, and their sisters and daughters are being raped" in that country.
Adding to the demands, Imam Umer Ahmed Ilyasi, the Chief Imam of the All India Imam Organisation, called for Shah Rukh Khan to issue a public apology and a statement condemning the alleged atrocities in Bangladesh. "Shah Rukh Khan should apologise to the nation...He should also give a statement condemning the atrocities," Ilyasi told ANI.
Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam had also urged preemptive action, warning that anyone associated with Bangladeshi nationals could become a target of public anger. He advised Khan to remove the player "for his own good" and to protect India's interests.
Congress Questions the IPL Auction Process
In a contrasting take, Congress leader Supriya Shrinate shifted the focus to the governing bodies of cricket. She questioned who allowed Bangladeshi players into the IPL auction pool in the first place, directing her query at the BCCI and the International Cricket Council (ICC). "Home Minister's son, Jay Shah, should answer who put the Bangladeshi players in the pool... he is the ICC's chief and the main decision-maker in cricket," Shrinate stated.
The political firestorm is rooted in a series of violent incidents in Bangladesh. Last month, two Hindu youths, Dipu Chandra Das and Amrit Mondal, were lynched in separate cases in Mymensingh and Rajbari districts. These events have sparked widespread condemnation and outrage from political leaders and minority groups in both Bangladesh and India, creating a sensitive backdrop for the sporting decision.
