Mustafizur Rahman in IPL 2026: Protests Against Shah Rukh Khan Over Signing Bangladesh Cricketer; KKR Co-Owner's Effigies Burnt in Delhi

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New Delhi, Jan 2: Protests by Hindu religious groups against the inclusion of Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman in the Indian Premier League (IPL) have reached the national capital, intensifying the controversy surrounding Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and its co-owner Shah Rukh Khan.

On Friday (January 2), members of the United Hindu Front (UHF) staged demonstrations in parts of New Delhi, burning effigies of Shah Rukh Khan and raising slogans demanding the cancellation of Mustafizur Rahman's contract for the IPL 2026 season.

The protests stem from allegations of violence against Hindu minorities in Bangladesh, with demonstrators questioning the appropriateness of allowing Bangladeshi players to participate in the IPL under the current circumstances. It all began with the mob lynching of Deepu Chandra Das and several other targetted attacks on the Hindu minority in Bangladesh and the reigning Muhammad Yunush government's inability to stop violence.

UHF Voices Strong Objection

Addressing the media at the protest site, UHF international working president Jai Bhagwan Goyal told OneIndia News: "For the past several days, we have been continuously witnessing that Hindus in Bangladesh are being selectively targeted, attacked, and even burnt alive. Because of this, Hindus living across the country and around the world are distressed and angry. We have repeatedly demanded from the government that proper arrangements must be made to ensure the safety and security of Hindus living there."

Referring directly to KKR's auction decision, Goyal added: "At such a sensitive time, Shah Rukh Khan has paid ₹9.20 crore to buy a Bangladeshi player to make him play for his KKR team, even though there were other players available. When no other team bought those players, it raises serious questions."

He further alleged that the move appeared deliberate, saying: "Somewhere it feels like this has been done intentionally to rub salt into the wounds of Hindus."

However, KKR alone didn't show interest in the Bangladesh cricketer in the auction. KKR and Chennai Super Kings, with whom Mustafizur Rahman played in the past IPL seasons, engaged in a stiff bidding war to secure the services of the left-arm Bangladeshi pacer, who has played 60 IPL games in total.

BCCI, KKR Under Scanner

When questioned about whether the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) should bear responsibility for including Mustafizur Rahman in the auction pool, Goyal responded: "If the BCCI included his name in the auction list, that is one thing. His name was there among the players available, but he was still bought. The decision to buy him was taken."

Issuing strong demands, Goyal stated: "The entire country is protesting today. People are on the streets. We openly demand that the contract under which he was bought should be cancelled immediately."

He went on to add: "Shah Rukh Khan must apologise to the people of the country and to the Sanatani community. Otherwise, the Government of India should register a case of sedition against him. Action should also be taken against those within the BCCI if required."

Public Opinion Remains Sharply Divided

While the protests drew attention, reactions on the ground remained sharply divided, with cricket fans and passersby expressing contrasting views.

A protest supporter further said: "If Hindus are being attacked in Bangladesh, then why should their players be allowed to earn crores in India? Sports cannot be separated from national sentiment."

Another demonstrator directly targeted the KKR co-owner, stating: "Shah Rukh Khan should understand the emotions of the country. If he truly loves India, he should remove the Bangladeshi player from his team."

However, several others questioned the protests and defended the separation of sport and politics. A cricket fan observing the developments remarked: "This is a franchise league. Players are bought through an auction approved by the BCCI. Why is only Shah Rukh Khan being targeted?"

A local commuter passing through the area added: "Tomorrow, will we stop playing against teams from other countries too? Cricket should not be dragged into politics every time."

Another fan defended Mustafizur Rahman, pointing to the professional nature of the IPL: "Mustafizur is a cricketer, not a politician. He has come here to play cricket, not to represent any government."

Some respondents also raised concerns over selective outrage. One onlooker said: "If this is about Bangladesh, then why weren't protests held when other teams picked Bangladeshi players in previous IPL seasons?"

As the debate continues to escalate, the controversy has once again underlined the complex intersection of sport, politics, and public sentiment in Indian cricket. As of now, neither the BCCI nor Kolkata Knight Riders have issued an official statement addressing the protests or the demands raised by the demonstrators.