IPL 2025: Ex KKR pacer and BJP MLA pushes for Bengali players quota in KKR team in a bold statement

Add as a preferred source on Google

With just five days left for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to kick off their IPL 2025 campaign as defending champions, a familiar debate has resurfaced -- where are the Bengali players in the KKR squad?

Former KKR pacer and BJP politician Ashok Dinda, who is sitting MLA from Moyna constituency since winning the election in 2021, has reignited the discussion, demanding a controversial quota for local Bengal players in the franchise.

Speaking to OneIndia Bengali, Dinda passionately questioned KKR's continued reluctance to recruit Bengal cricketers. "KKR e Bangali ra kothae? (Where are the Bengalis in KKR?)," asked the former pacer, who played three seasons for the franchise from 2008 to 2010. "I don't think any Bengali player has played a significant role in KKR since 2010. Bengali players are excelling in other franchises, but KKR never picks them.

"I have said this time and again -- KKR should invest more in local players. Other franchises prioritise their homegrown talent, but KKR does not. They always rely on players from outside, and these players leave as quickly as they arrive. Even when Bengali players enter the auction, KKR never bids for them, and I don't understand why."

Ashok Dinda took his argument further by linking it to political intervention, claiming that if BJP comes to power in Bengal, he would ensure that KKR selects at least three local players.

"If BJP comes to power, I will 100% assure that KKR will have to buy three players from Kolkata at least. Only then our domestic players will come into limelight. Pick them, give them space in the team, then only they will learn and experience (the pressure of an IPL match). I am not asking KKR to splurge big money on them, spend enough and give them the exposure, then only Bengal players will grow and Bengal will grow," said the 40-year-old pacer, who retired in 2021.

The lack of Bengal representation in KKR has been a longstanding issue among Kolkata's cricket fans. The franchise, despite its 'Amar KKR' and 'Ami Kolkata' slogans, has rarely fielded local players, leading many to question its connection to the city. This discontent was first visible in the early years of the IPL when KKR dropped Sourav Ganguly as captain after a poor season and subsequently refused to bid for him in the next auction.

The decision sparked outrage, with fans protesting outside Eden Gardens, KKR's home ground. While Gautam Gambhir's leadership and two IPL titles helped pacify the anger, the absence of Bengali players in the squad has remained a talking point.

Currently, KKR has only one Bengali player in the squad -- Anukul Roy, who represents Jharkhand in domestic cricket. Additionally, Varun Chakravarthy is often mistaken as a Bengali due to his surname, but he is from the southern part of the country.

Where Did Bengal Players Go in IPL 2025 Auction?

The IPL 2025 auction saw several Bengal players go under the hammer, yet none were picked by KKR. Here's where they ended up:

Sold List

• Mohammad Shami (Bowler, 34) – Rs 10 crore (Sunrisers Hyderabad)
• Akash Deep (Bowler, 28) – Rs 8 crore (Gujarat Titans)
• Mukesh Kumar (Bowler, 31) – Rs 8 crore (Delhi Capitals)
• Shahbaz Ahmad (All-rounder, 30) – Rs 2.40 crore (Lucknow Super Giants)

Unsold List

• Ishan Porel (Bowler, 26)
• Ramesh Prasad (Bowler, 31)
• Abhimanyu Easwaran (Batter, 29)
• Sudip Gharami (Batter, 26)
• Ravi Kumar (Bowler, 21)
• Sayed Irfan Aftab (Bowler, 21)
• Prayas Ray Barman (Batter, 22)
• Kaushik Maity (Batter, 25)
• Writtick Chatterjee (All-rounder, 32)

Note: All the unsold players had base price of Rs 30 lakh

As KKR prepares to take the field under the new leadership of Ajinkya Rahane, the debate over Bengali representation is likely to intensify. The franchise's strong fanbase in Kolkata has long yearned for homegrown players to don the purple and gold. While KKR has built a reputation for backing young talent from across India and overseas, their reluctance to invest in Bengal's domestic stars continues to baffle many.

With their first match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on March 22 at Eden Gardens, the eyes of Kolkata's cricket faithful will be on KKR, not just for their performance but also for whether they finally address this long-standing concern.