Bollywood megastar Shah Rukh Khan has found himself at the centre of a major political and religious storm following a player acquisition by his Indian Premier League franchise, Kolkata Knight Riders. The controversy erupted after KKR secured the services of Bangladeshi left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman for the upcoming IPL 2026 season.
Religious Leaders and Politicians Launch Scathing Attack
Prominent Hindu seer Jagadguru Rambhadracharya launched a fierce verbal assault on the actor, labelling him a "traitor" for the move. In an interview with PTI, the seer stated, "His approach has always been as that of a traitor." He linked his criticism to reported atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh, calling Khan's decision "anti-national."
Jagadguru Rambhadracharya further questioned the actor's character, adding, "His character has always been questionable and anti-national. It is unfortunate, but he will do so because he is considered a hero." This sentiment was echoed by BJP leader Sangeet Som, who also used the term "traitor" for Shah Rukh Khan.
Political Firestorm and Defence of Pluralism
The criticism from Hindu spiritual leaders and BJP figures was met with a strong rebuttal from the opposition Congress party. Congress MP Manickam Tagore strongly condemned the 'traitor' remarks, framing them as an attack on India's core pluralistic values.
In a post on social media platform X, Tagore targeted the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), urging it to stop "poisoning society." He wrote, "Calling Superstar Shah Rukh Khan a 'traitor' is an attack on India's pluralism. Hate cannot define nationalism." This defence highlights the deep political divisions the issue has exposed.
The IPL Deal That Sparked the Controversy
The entire episode was triggered during the IPL 2026 mini-auction held in Abu Dhabi. Kolkata Knight Riders successfully bid for Bangladeshi international Mustafizur Rahman, acquiring the 30-year-old left-arm fast-medium bowler for a significant sum of ₹9.2 crore.
Mustafizur, who has 65 wickets in 60 IPL matches since his debut in 2016, is a seasoned T20 campaigner. However, his nationality became the focal point, with critics like Sangeet Som questioning why Khan would invest Indian money in a player from a country they claim is "working against India." The backlash underscores how sports, particularly a league as popular as the IPL, can quickly become entangled in broader geopolitical and social tensions within the country.
