New Delhi, January 3, 2026 – The decision of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to instruct the Indian Premier League’s Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Bangladeshi left-arm fast-medium bowler Mustafizur Rahman has drawn widespread attention and acclaim from Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders and prominent spiritual figures, following a heated backlash over his initial selection.

The controversy began after KKR, owned by Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, announced Mustafizur Rahman as part of their squad for the IPL 2026 season. The move immediately sparked outrage among political leaders and segments of the public who cited ongoing tensions between India and Bangladesh, particularly over alleged atrocities against Hindu minorities in the neighboring country. Critics argued that fielding a Bangladeshi player was inappropriate given these circumstances, and the issue quickly became a matter of public debate.

On Saturday, BCCI instructed KKR to release Mustafizur Rahman, prompting swift reactions from BJP leaders. Sangeet Singh Som, a prominent BJP politician, welcomed the decision, describing it as a “victory for Hindus.” Speaking to ANI, Som said, “Thanks to BCCI for its decision in view of the 100 crore Sanatanis of India. We said yesterday that cognisance will be taken of this matter because the sentiments of 100 crore people cannot be taken lightly. This is the victory of the Hindus of the entire nation.”

Som also addressed the IPL team’s ownership, noting Shah Rukh Khan’s responsibility to respect public sentiment. “Shah Rukh Khan has understood that he should not go against Sanatanis while living in India. He has also understood that thousands of Sanatanis have made him Shah Rukh Khan,” he added. His remarks reflected the wider sentiment among a section of BJP leaders and social commentators that corporate and celebrity entities participating in India’s most popular sporting event should align with the perceived cultural and religious sentiments of the nation.

Uttar Pradesh minister and BJP leader Narendra Kashyap echoed Som’s approval of the BCCI’s decision. “We welcome the decision of the BCCI that they understood the sentiments of the nation and removed the Bangladeshi player, as atrocities are being committed against Hindus in Bangladesh, something Prime Minister Modi and the government are raising objections over,” he said. Kashyap’s comments linked the sporting decision to broader diplomatic concerns, framing it as a reflection of national sentiment regarding India-Bangladesh relations.

The reaction was not limited to politicians. Spiritual leaders who had initially voiced opposition to Rahman’s inclusion in KKR also welcomed the BCCI’s directive, while criticizing Shah Rukh Khan for remaining silent. Devkinandan Thakur, a prominent spiritual figure, said the BCCI’s move was justified, given the backdrop of alleged persecution of Hindu minorities in Bangladesh. “I thank the BCCI for this decision. Atrocities are being committed against Hindus in Bangladesh, and if a player from that nation plays in the IPL, it is not acceptable,” he told ANI.

Thakur also criticized Shah Rukh Khan for his lack of public response. “Mr. KKR (Shah Rukh Khan) has still not given any statement. It is painful that Mr. KKR is not standing with the Hindus,” he added, underscoring the expectation among certain segments of the population that celebrities and public figures should take a moral stance on geopolitical or religious issues.

The episode highlights the intersection of sports, politics, and social sentiment in contemporary India. The IPL, being one of the most popular sporting events in the country, often becomes a flashpoint for public discourse beyond the cricket field. Player selections, team ownership, and franchise decisions are closely scrutinized, particularly when they intersect with sensitive issues like international relations and minority rights.

Mustafizur Rahman, who has represented Bangladesh at various levels in international cricket, had been seen as a key acquisition for KKR’s bowling lineup. However, the selection became highly contentious amid concerns about religious persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh. The backlash was amplified by social media campaigns, political statements, and coverage in news outlets, leading the BCCI to intervene and direct the franchise to release the player.

The BCCI’s decision demonstrates the governing body’s role not only as a regulator of the sport but also as a mediator of public sentiment and ethical considerations. In previous instances, player eligibility, nationality, and conduct have been subjects of debate in the IPL, but the Mustafizur Rahman case underscores the increasing influence of political and social pressures on sporting decisions in India.

The incident also reflects broader geopolitical sensitivities, with India and Bangladesh sharing historical, cultural, and economic ties, but also facing tensions over minority rights and cross-border issues. Sports, particularly cricket, has often been both a unifying force and a site of contention between the two nations. In this instance, the decision to remove a Bangladeshi player from an Indian franchise team was widely perceived by BJP leaders and spiritual figures as a symbolic stand in support of Hindu communities abroad.

KKR, on its part, has not issued an official statement addressing the BCCI’s directive or the controversy surrounding Rahman’s selection. The franchise’s silence, combined with the public statements from political and spiritual leaders, has fueled debate over the responsibilities of celebrity-owned teams to consider social and national sensitivities.

Analysts note that this incident illustrates how public opinion and political sentiment increasingly shape decisions in professional sports in India. With cricket being deeply embedded in the country’s cultural fabric, player selections and team strategies are often subject to scrutiny that extends beyond performance metrics, encompassing moral, cultural, and political considerations.

As the IPL 2026 season approaches, franchises, players, and administrators are likely to navigate such challenges with heightened awareness of public sentiment. The Mustafizur Rahman controversy may also set a precedent regarding the selection of foreign players, particularly from countries where religious or political tensions with India are sensitive.

In conclusion, the release of Mustafizur Rahman from KKR has been hailed by BJP leaders and spiritual figures as a “victory for Hindus,” highlighting the complex interplay between sport, politics, and social sentiment. While the BCCI acted to address the controversy, the episode has raised broader questions about the responsibilities of franchises, the influence of public opinion, and the ethical considerations involved in team selection in India’s most-watched cricket league.