The inclusion of Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman in the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) squad for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season has sparked a major political controversy. The Shiv Sena (UBT) has launched a sharp attack against the franchise, owned by Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, framing the issue as a matter of national security.
Political Outcry Over Player Selection
On Friday, Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Anand Dubey issued a strongly-worded statement objecting to Mustafizur Rahman's presence in the KKR team. Dubey linked the cricketer's participation to broader geopolitical tensions, demanding a complete boycott of players from Bangladesh and Pakistan in Indian cricket tournaments.
"If Shah Rukh Khan plays him and earns money, that money will be used to nurture terrorists there and conspire against our country. We will not allow this to happen at any cost," Dubey asserted. He positioned his opposition as stemming from his identity as a Hindu, a Sanatani, and a Shiv Sainik.
Demands for Government Intervention and Boycott
Dubey explicitly labeled Bangladesh and Pakistan as adversaries of India. "Bangladesh and Pakistan are both our enemies. We will not remain calm without completely boycotting them," he declared. The party leader vowed to oppose the entry of what he termed "traitors" into India and stated his intention to seek support from the central government on this issue.
He offered a conditional olive branch to Shah Rukh Khan, who co-owns KKR with actor Juhi Chawla and her husband Jay Mehta. Dubey stated that Khan would be "respected and honoured" if the Bangladeshi player was removed from the team. However, he reiterated a firm stance against any action perceived as harming national interests.
Echoes from BJP and Previous Controversy
This is not the first time the acquisition of Mustafizur Rahman has drawn political fire. The controversy traces back to December last year, when KKR successfully bid for the bowler at the IPL auction.
Similar objections were previously raised by BJP leader Sangeet Som. At a public meeting in Meerut, Som accused Shah Rukh Khan of acting against the country's interests. He went as far as calling Khan a "traitor" and questioning his right to live in India.
Som highlighted that Rahman was bought for a sum around Rs 9 crore. He contrasted this with reports of violence against Hindus in Bangladesh, arguing it was against national interest to platform Bangladeshi players on a major stage like the IPL. Som warned that if Rahman came to India for the IPL, "the situation would not be favourable," suggesting the player might face difficulties upon arrival.
The political pressure on KKR and Shah Rukh Khan underscores the increasingly complex intersection of sports, geopolitics, and nationalism in India. As the IPL season approaches, the management of the Kolkata-based franchise faces a significant challenge in navigating this heated controversy.
